THE POPULATION BIOLOGY OF BACTERIAL PLASMIDS: A PRIORI CONDITIONS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF MOBILIZABLE NONCONJUGATIVE FACTORS

摘要: A mathematical model for the population dynamics of nonconjugative plasmids that can be mobilized by conjugative factors is presented. In analysis properties this model, primary consideration given to conditions under which these nonself-transmissible extrachromosomal elements could become established and would maintained in bacterial populations. The results demonstrate existence where, as a consequence infectious transmission via mobilization, even when bacteria carrying them have lower reproductive fitnesses than plasmid-free members population. However, are stringent suggest, therefore, it highly unlikely type without some direct selection favoring their carriage. general implications limitations discussed. Brief also theoretical findings problems spread multiple antibiotic resistance (R-factors) risk contaminating natural populations with chimeric produced work recombinant DNA.