Accession Number:

ADA399348

Title:

Plasmid Diversity and Horizontal Transfer in Marine Sediment Microbial Communities

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 15 Nov 1997-30 Sep 2001

Corporate Author:

GEORGIA INST OF TECH ATLANTA SCHOOL OFBIOLOGY

Personal Author(s):

• Sobecky, Patricia A.

Report Date:

2002-02-21

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

Transfer of genetic information inter- and intragenerically determines the structure and function of indigenous bacterial communities. While plasmid exchange is an important mechanism by which bacterial populations can evolve and adapt, there remains a lack of information regarding the role of horizontal plasmid-mediated transfer in marine ecosystems and how indigenous broad-host-range plasmids impact the microbial community structure. In this study, the objectives will be to characterize plasmids, at the molecular level, from marine sediment bacterial populations to elucidate their role in promoting gene exchange. Specific objectives include 1 determining the distribution and specific traits encoded by naturally occurring plasmids from marine sediment bacterial populations and 2 assessing the mobility of indigenous broad-host-range plasmids in marine sediment microbial communities.

Descriptors:

• *PLASMIDS
• *MARINE BIOLOGY
• *ECOLOGY
• *MICROORGANISMS
• COMMUNITIES
• MOLECULAR STATES
• BACTERIA
• GENES
• OCEAN ENVIRONMENTS
• OCEAN BOTTOM

Subject Categories:

• Biology
• Ecology
• Biological Oceanography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE