3/06/2006

Bacterial Conjugation

Conjugation is merely the fusion of two compatible bacterial cells. Bringing two genotypes together and allowing them to conjugate is the equivalent of making a cross in eukaryotes. Our discussion of conjugation will center on the gut bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Conjugation and gene transfer in E. coli are driven by a circular DNA plasmid called the fertility factor or sex factor (F), which is found in some but not all cells. Hence to understand how to make a cross in E. coli, we have to understand the properties of F.

Sem comentários: