Interplay between plasmid partition and postsegregational killing systems.
Active partition systems and postsegregational killing (PSK) systems are present together in naturally occurring low-copy-number plasmids. Theory suggests that PSK may act as the ultimate determinant of plasmid retention, whereas the partition system may minimize the growth penalty to the host, resulting in a near-ideal symbiosis when the systems combine. Here, we prove the validity of this principle for a specific case involving the P1par system and the mvp PSK system.
Brendler
Therese
T
Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA.
Reaves
Lucretia
L
Austin
Stuart
S
D002455:Cell Division; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D010957:Plasmids