Progress towards understanding the fate of plasmids in bacterial communities.

摘要: Plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer influences bacterial community structure and evolution. However, an understanding of the forces which dictate fate plasmids in populations remains elusive. This is part due to enormous diversity plasmids, terms size, structure, transmission, evolutionary history accessory phenotypes, coupled with lack a standard theoretical framework within investigate them. review discusses how ecological factors, such as spatial temporal fluctuations, shape both population dynamics physical features plasmids. Novel data indicate that larger are more likely be harboured by hosts complex environments. Plasmid size may therefore determined environmentally mediated fitness trade-offs. As correlation between replicon complexity environment similar for chromosomes, could used tractable tools influence factors on chromosomes. Parallels drawn facultative symbionts, including evolution some members groups obligate relationship their host. The similarity symbionts suggests it appropriate study classical framework.