High rates of conjugation in bacterial biofilms as determined by quantitative in situ analysis

M Hausner, S Wuertz - Applied and environmental microbiology, 1999 - Am Soc Microbiol
M Hausner, S Wuertz
Applied and environmental microbiology, 1999Am Soc Microbiol
Quantitative in situ determination of conjugative gene transfer in defined bacterial biofilms
using automated confocal laser scanning microscopy followed by three-dimensional
analysis of cellular biovolumes revealed conjugation rates 1,000-fold higher than those
determined by classical plating techniques. Conjugation events were not affected by nutrient
concentration alone but were influenced by time and biofilm structure.
Abstract
Quantitative in situ determination of conjugative gene transfer in defined bacterial biofilms using automated confocal laser scanning microscopy followed by three-dimensional analysis of cellular biovolumes revealed conjugation rates 1,000-fold higher than those determined by classical plating techniques. Conjugation events were not affected by nutrient concentration alone but were influenced by time and biofilm structure.
American Society for Microbiology