TY - JOUR
T1 - Studying plasmid horizontal transfer in situ: a critical review
AU - Sørensen, Søren Johannes
AU - Bailey, Mark
AU - Hansen, Lars Hestbjerg
AU - Kroer, Niels
AU - Wuertz, Steffan
PY - 2005
Y1 - 2005
N2 - This review deals with the prospective, experimental documentation of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and its role in real-time, local adaptation. We have focused on plasmids and their function as an accessory and/or adaptive gene pool. Studies of the extent of HGT in natural environments have identified certain hot spots, and many of these involve biofilms. Biofilms are uniquely suited for HGT, as they sustain high bacterial density and metabolic activity, even in the harshest environments. Single-cell detection of donor, recipient and transconjugant bacteria in various natural environments, combined with individual-based mathematical models, has provided a new platform for HGT studies.
AB - This review deals with the prospective, experimental documentation of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and its role in real-time, local adaptation. We have focused on plasmids and their function as an accessory and/or adaptive gene pool. Studies of the extent of HGT in natural environments have identified certain hot spots, and many of these involve biofilms. Biofilms are uniquely suited for HGT, as they sustain high bacterial density and metabolic activity, even in the harshest environments. Single-cell detection of donor, recipient and transconjugant bacteria in various natural environments, combined with individual-based mathematical models, has provided a new platform for HGT studies.
U2 - 10.1038/nrmicro1232
DO - 10.1038/nrmicro1232
M3 - Review
C2 - 16138098
SN - 1740-1526
VL - 3
SP - 700
EP - 710
JO - Nature Reviews. Microbiology
JF - Nature Reviews. Microbiology
IS - 9
ER -