The genetic basis of the aggregation system in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis is located on the large conjugative plasmid pXO16.
The aggregation phenotypes Agr+ and Agr- of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis are correlated with a conjugation-like plasmid transfer and characterized by the formation of aggregates when the bacteria are socialized during exponential growth. We present evidence for the association of the Agr+ phenotype with the presence of the large (135-MDa) self-transmissible plasmid pXO16.
Jensen
G B
GB
Department of Toxicology and Biology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Wilcks
A
A
Petersen
S S
SS
Damgaard
J
J
Baum
J A
JA
Andrup
L
L
D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000235:genetics*; D003227:Conjugation, Genetic; D010641:Phenotype; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics*; D013045:Species Specificity