Modular evolution of secretion systems and virulence plasmids in a bacterial species complex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many named species as defined in current bacterial taxonomy correspond to species complexes. Uncertainties regarding the organization of their genetic diversity challenge research efforts. We utilized the Agrobacterium tumefaciens species complex (a.k.a. Agrobacterium biovar 1), a taxon known for its phytopathogenicity and applications in transformation, as a study system and devised strategies for investigating genome diversity and evolution of species complexes.

Results

We utilized 35 genome assemblies, including 14 newly generated ones, to achieve a phylogenetically balanced sampling of A. tumefaciens. Our genomic analysis suggested that the 10 genomospecies described previously are distinct biological species and supported a quantitative guideline for species

SUBMITTER: Chou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8756689 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature