Quantitative analysis of relationship between mutation rate and speed of adaptation under antibiotic exposure in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Mutations are the ultimate source of biological evolution that creates genetic variation in populations. Mutations can create new advantageous traits but can also potentially interfere with pre-existing organismal functions. Therefore, organisms may have evolved mutation rates to appropriate levels to maintain or improve their fitness. In this study, we aimed to experimentally quantify the relationship between the mutation rate and evolution of antibiotic resistance. We conducted an evolution experiment using 12 Escherichia coli mutator strains with increased mutation rates and five antibiotics. Our results demonstrated that the rate of adaptation generally increased with higher mutation rates, except in a single mutator strain with the highest mutation rate, which exhibited a significant

SUBMITTER: Shibai A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11975134 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature