Plasmid Detection, Characterization, and Ecology.

摘要: Plasmids are important vehicles for rapid adaptation of bacterial populations to changing environmental conditions. It is thought that reduce the cost plasmid carriage, only a fraction local population carries plasmids or permissive uptake. provide various accessory traits which might be beneficial under particular The genetic variation generated by carriage within ensures robustness toward changes. Plasmid-mediated gene transfer plays an role not in mobilization and dissemination antibiotic resistance genes but also spread degradative pathways pathogenicity determinants pathogens. Here we summarize state-of-the-art methods study occurrence, abundance, diversity bacteria. Increasingly, cultivation-independent total-community DNA-based being used characterize quantify abundance relation biotic abiotic factors. An improved understanding ecology their hosts crucial development intervention strategies antibiotic-resistance-gene spread. We discuss potentials limitations determine host range plasmids, as tightly linked hosts. recent advances sequencing technologies enormous potential classification, diversity, evolution studies, numerous challenges still exist.