Recombinant transfer in the basic genome of Escherichia coli
Abstract
A significant fraction of the length of Escherichia coli genomes comprises mobile elements integrated at various sites in a ∼4-Mbp basic genome shared by the species. We find that the entire basic genome is continually exchanged by homologous recombination with genome fragments acquired from other genomes in the population. Evolutionary groups appear to exchange DNA preferentially within the same group but also with other groups to different extents. Entering DNA is often fragmented by restriction systems of the recipient cell, with surviving pieces replacing homologous parts of the recipient chromosome. Coevolving populations of phages that package genome fragments and deliver them to cells that have appropriate receptors are likely mediators of most DNA transfers, distributing variability throughout the species.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- July 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1510839112
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1507.03972
- Bibcode:
- 2015PNAS..112.9070D
- Keywords:
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- Quantitative Biology - Genomics;
- Quantitative Biology - Populations and Evolution
- E-Print:
- 29 pages (including SI), 4 figures