Estimate of the genomic mutation rate deleterious to overall fitness in E. coli
Article Abstract:
The average effect of harmful mutations on fitness is 0.012 in Escherichia coli and the rate of harmful genomic mutations is almost 0.003 harmful mutations per haploid genome per generation. The effect of harmful mutations on E. coli fitness is similar to that in Drosophila melanogaster. The rate of harmful mutations is lower in E. coli due to a smaller genome size and fewer cell divisions/generation. Mean fitness decreases linearly with time as harmful mutations accumulate in different cell lines. The difference in fitness between lines containing different mutations increases with time.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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A secreted protein kinase of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an indispensable virulence determinant
Article Abstract:
The pathogenic species of Yersinia enterobacteria all have a virulence plasmid which encodes a secreted protein kinase (YpkA) which may block phagocytosis by interference with signal transduction pathways in the target cells. Two mutants of the gene responsible for YpkA were studied and found not to produce the kinase activity. YkpA was also found to autophosphorylate. YpkA exhibits high homology with eukaryotic counterparts suggesting the hypothesis that the genes encoding it were recruited through horizontal gene transfer from a eukaryotic source.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Parallel evolution of virulence in pathogenic Escherichia coli
Article Abstract:
Research is presented concerning the the evolution of pathogenic strains of the bacteria Esherichi coli. Phylogenitic analysis has revealed the parallel evolution of Shiga toxins, intestinal adhesion and plasmid-borne haemolysin.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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