Abstract
Abstract Horizontal genetic transfer (HGT) events are thought to play an important role in the development of microbial species capable of degrading toxic contaminants. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of relative cell density between the donor and recipient cells for HGT conjugation events in a mixed microbial community. Specifically, the transfer of the TOL plasmid pWWO from Pseudomonas putida BBC443 to micro-organisms present in the activated sludge obtained from a wastewater treatment plant in Durham, NC was investigated. Inocula with cell concentrations ranging from 1:1 to 20:1 (activated sludge to P. putida BBC443) were investigated. The TOL plasmid pWWO contains a gene encoding a green fluorescent protein (gfp), which is only expressed following a conjugation event. Thus, fluorescence measurements can be used to estimate plasmid proliferation. HGT rates were monitored by flow cytometry while toluene degradation profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Conjugation rates...
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.
