Effects of DNA size on transformation and recombination efficiencies in Xylella fastidiosa.

ABSTRACT: Horizontally transferred DNA acquired through transformation and recombination has the potential to contribute to the diversity and evolution of naturally competent bacteria. However, many different factors affect the efficiency with which DNA can be transformed and recombined. In this study, we determined how the size of both homologous and nonhomologous regions affects transformation and recombination efficiencies in Xylella fastidiosa, a naturally competent generalist pathogen responsible for many emerging plant diseases. Our experimental data indicate that 96 bp of flanking homology is sufficient to initiate recombination, with recombination efficiencies increasing exponentially with the size of the homologous flanking region up to 1 kb. Recombination efficiencies also decreased with t

SUBMITTER: Kung SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3591940 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature