Frequent mutations within the genomic magnetosome island of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense are mediated by RecA.

ABSTRACT: Genes for magnetosome formation in magnetotactic bacteria are clustered in large genomic magnetosome islands (MAI). Spontaneous deletions and rearrangements were frequently observed within these regions upon metabolic stress. This instability was speculated to be due to RecA-dependent homologous recombination between the numerous sequence repeats present within the MAI. Here we show that a RecA-deficient strain of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense (IK-1) no longer exhibits genetic instability of magnetosome formation. Strain IK-1 displayed higher sensitivity to oxygen and UV irradiation. Furthermore, the lack of RecA abolished allelic exchange in the mutant. Cells of strain IK-1 displayed a slightly altered (i.e., more elongated) morphology, whereas the absence of RecA did not affect the ab

SUBMITTER: Kolinko I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3187423 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature