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J Bacteriol. 1990 May; 172(5): 2267-2272

research-article

Genetic exchange of transposon and integrative plasmid markers in Mycoplasma pulmonis.

Veterinary Medical Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.

ABSTRACT

Matings of genetically marked derivatives of Mycoplasma pulmonis resulted in the exchange of chromosomal DNA and the appearance of doubly marked transconjugants. Transposons Tn916 and Tn4001, and a series of integrative plasmids derived from their cloned antibiotic resistance genes, were used to construct antibiotic-resistant mycoplasmal derivatives to examine this phenomenon at the molecular level. Genetic exchange occurred on agar surfaces at frequencies ranging from 3.3 X 10(-4) to 6.4 X 10(-8) transconjugants per CFU. Examination of chromosomal DNA from transconjugants by hybridization revealed that the transposons or integrated plasmids were in the same chromosomal locations as in the parental strains, indicating that exchange involved the transfer of chromosomal DNA and homologous recombination. Transfer was not affected by DNase, polyethylene glycol, EDTA, or calcium chloride but was affected by treatment of either parent with trypsin. Mixing of mating strains before plating had no effect on mating frequencies, but mating did occur in liquid media. The ability to exchange chromosomal markers was limited to selected strains of M. pulmonis; mating did not occur with Acholeplasma laidlawii or M. gallisepticum. Heat and UV inactivation studies revealed that nonviable cells could act as donors in matings. The evidence presented supports a conjugationlike mechanism involving specific trypsin-sensitive membrane components.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Teachman, A. M., French, C. T., Yu, H., Simmons, W. L., Dybvig, K. (2002). Gene Transfer in Mycoplasma pulmonis. J. Bacteriol. 184: 947-951 [Abstract] [Full Text]