Current Microbiology

, Volume 33, Issue 4, pp 228–236 | Cite as

The aggregation-mediated conjugation system of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: Host range and kinetics of transfer

  • Gert B. Jensen
  • Lars Andrup
  • Andrea Wilcks
  • Lasse Smidt
  • Otto M. Poulsen
Article
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Accepted:

Abstract

The aggregation-mediated conjugation system in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis encoded on the plasmid pXO16 is characterized by the formation of aggregates when Agr+ and Agr- cells are socialized in exponential growth. Using the aggregation phenotypes, we have identified potential recipients of the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 among Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus sphaericus, and 24 subspecies of B. thuringiensis. We found 14 Agr- strains, i.e., potential recipients of the aggregation system encoded by plasmid pXO16. Five strains contained a conjugative apparatus of their own and were excluded from further examinations. To monitor the transfer of plasmid pXO16, we constructed a transposon insertion of the plasmid with Tn5401. The study of the plasmid transfer of pXO16::Tn5401 indicated the secretion of bacteriocins from both donor strain and recipient strains. Only one out of the nine strains examined was unable to receive the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 and express the aggregation phenotype and the conjugative abilities. It was found that the transfer of plasmid pXO16 to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Agr- strains was 100%. All recipients had acquired the aggregation-plasmid pXO16 and converted to the Agr+ phenotype.

Keywords

Bacillus Cereus Bacillus Thuringiensis Conjugation System Plasmid Transfer Current Microbiology 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • Gert B. Jensen
    • 1
  • Lars Andrup
    • 1
  • Andrea Wilcks
    • 1
  • Lasse Smidt
    • 1
  • Otto M. Poulsen
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Toxicology and BiologyNational Institute of Occupational HealthCopenhagenDenmark

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