Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
The distribution of DNA sequences homologous with three mer genes was determined in unselected and mercury-resistant water and sediment isolates. The maximum proportions of unselected bacterial isolates containing DNA hybridizing with the 358merA, 358merB, and 501merR probes, derived from gram-negative organisms, were 93.8, 21, and 100%, respectively. Up to 53.3% of mercury chloride-resistant isolates and 54% of methylmercury hydroxide-resistant isolates did not contain DNA homologous with 358merA or 358merB, respectively. Hybridizations performed at high and low stringencies demonstrated that divergence of the merA gene accounted for many of the mercury-resistant but probe-negative isolates. Sixteen mercury-resistant Bacillus spp. isolated from the least contaminated site all contained DNA homologous with 258merA, originally from a gram-positive organism, but only four hybridized weakly with 358merA. The results demonstrate the wide distribution of mercury resistance genes but, because of the diversity of genetic determinants, highlight the importance of using multiple detection techniques and gene probes derived from a variety of origins for such studies.
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.
