Genomics of microbial plasmids: classification and identification based on replication and transfer systems and host taxonomy.

ABSTRACT: Plasmids are important "vehicles" for the communication of genetic information between bacteria. The exchange of plasmids transmits pathogenically and environmentally relevant traits to the host bacteria, promoting their rapid evolution and adaptation to various environments. Over the past six decades, a large number of plasmids have been identified and isolated from different microbes. With the revolution of sequencing technology, more than 4600 complete sequences of plasmids found in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes have been determined. The classification of a wide variety of plasmids is not only important to understand their features, host ranges, and microbial evolution but is also necessary to effectively use them as genetic tools for microbial engineering. This review summarizes th

SUBMITTER: Shintani M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4379921 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature