Experimental Evolution of Bacillus subtilis Reveals the Evolutionary Dynamics of Horizontal Gene Transfer and Suggests Adaptive and Neutral Effects.

ABSTRACT: Tracing evolutionary processes that lead to fixation of genomic variation in wild bacterial populations is a prime challenge in molecular evolution. In particular, the relative contribution of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) vs.de novo mutations during adaptation to a new environment is poorly understood. To gain a better understanding of the dynamics of HGT and its effect on adaptation, we subjected several populations of competent Bacillus subtilis to a serial dilution evolution on a high-salt-containing medium, either with or without foreign DNA from diverse pre-adapted or naturally salt tolerant species. Following 504 generations of evolution, all populations improved growth yield on the medium. Sequencing of evolved populations revealed extensive acquisition of for

SUBMITTER: Slomka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7536860 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature