Abstract
Plasmids play a major role in the bacterial adaptation to changing and stressful environmental conditions caused by antibiotics, heavy metals, and disinfectants. However, the investigation of the ecology and diversity of environmental plasmids is challenging due to their typically low abundance in soil bacterial communities and the low cultivability of their hosts. Here we discuss the potentials and limitations of cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent approaches for detecting and quantifying plasmids in total community DNA from environmental samples. Protocols for PCR-based detection of plasmid-specific sequences in total community DNA are presented. Furthermore, protocols to obtain and characterize plasmids either from isolates (endogenous plasmid isolation) or by capturing into a recipient strain by biparental and triparental mating will be provided.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
