A statistical analysis of the formation of plasmid-free cells in populations of Escherichia coli.
By methods analogous to those used in the classical statistical analysis of bacterial mutation, we have analyzed the formation of plasmid-free cells in populations of Escherichia coli harboring pBR322-derived plasmids. Application of fluctuation tests and papilla analysis suggested that there is a high variance in the probability that a plasmid-containing cell will produce a plasmid-free daughter cell. Apparently a subpopulation of plasmid-containing cells gives rise to progeny that produces plasmid-free cells with a high and unpredictable rate. This finding raises the question of whether plasmid maintenance can be adequately described by the conventional mathematical models.
Tolker-Nielsen
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Department of Microbiology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby.
Boe
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D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003470:Culture Media; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010957:Plasmids
D003470:Culture Media