The microbial DNA cycle in soil.
Upon microbial cell death and lysis in soil, the free or naked DNA is exposed to the dynamic environment of the soil. The DNA can be enzymatically degraded by nucleases (DNases), bind to soil components, genetically transform competent bacterial cells and be a nutrient for other microorganisms. In this article we discuss the dual role of DNA as genetic material and as a nutrient source in the soil environment.
England
Laura S
LS
Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1. lengland@uoguelph.ca
Trevors
Jack T
JT
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D012988:Soil Microbiology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial