Transduction of linked chromosomal genes between Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains during incubation in situ in a freshwater habitat.

AUTOR(ES)

Saye, D J

RESUMO

Both transduction of single chromosomal loci and cotransduction of closely linked loci were observed between lysogenic and nonlysogenic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a freshwater habitat. Transductants were recovered at frequencies of 10(-6) to 10(-5) transductants per CFU. Transductants of lysogenized strains were recovered 10- to 100-fold more frequently than were transductants of nonlysogenic parents. Lysogens are thus capable of introducing phages which mediate generalized transduction into the natural microbial community and serving as recipients of transduced DNA. It would appear that lysogeny has the potential of increasing the size and flexibility of the gene pool available to natural populations of bacteria. The ability to generate and select new genetic combinations through phage-mediated exchange can be significant in the face of a continually changing environment and may contribute to the apparent fitness of the lysogenic state in natural ecosystems.

Documentos Relacionados

• The phylogeny of marine and freshwater caulobacters reflects their habitat.
• Frequency of F116-mediated transduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a freshwater environment.
• Conjugal transfer of R68.45 and FP5 between Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in a freshwater environment.
• Potential for transduction of plasmids in a natural freshwater environment: effect of plasmid donor concentration and a natural microbial community on transduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Selection for cryptic coloration in a visually heterogeneous habitat.