Bacterial Conjugation: F+ / F+ crosses

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on bacterial conjugation, specifically the role of surface exclusion in F+ / F+ crosses. The proteins involved, coded by the traS and traT genes, inhibit the attachment of pili from one F+ cell to another, thus preventing conjugation. The participants inquire about the specific functions and locations of these proteins, as well as the occurrence of F+ / F+ conjugation despite this inhibition, which is documented to happen at a very low frequency. Relevant research papers from PubMed are shared for further exploration of these topics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bacterial conjugation mechanisms
  • Knowledge of genetic coding and protein function
  • Familiarity with the traS and traT genes
  • Basic comprehension of PubMed research methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific functions of traS and traT proteins in bacterial conjugation
  • Explore documented cases of F+ / F+ conjugation and their implications
  • Study the mechanisms of surface exclusion in bacterial genetics
  • Access and review the referenced PubMed articles for detailed insights
USEFUL FOR

Microbiologists, geneticists, and researchers interested in bacterial conjugation and genetic transfer mechanisms.

Adrian
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Hi everybody,

I've been reading up on conjugation and came across the concept of surface exclusion, i.e. two specific proteins on the surface of F+ cells preventing another F+ cell's pili from attaching. These to proteins are coded for by the traS and traT genes, both presumably connected to the pilus / plasma bridge / transport mechanism in one way or another.

Now my question is, what exactly do these proteins do? What's theri function, and where exactly are they? Anyone have a URL to a good sketch or other picture of the thing?

Also, are there documented cases of F+ / F+ conjugation occurring nonetheless (albeit with a very low frequency)?

Thanks guys,
 
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Wow, thanks for the quick and helpful reply; I am starting to like this board

The abstracts look just like what I've been looking for, I'll go and try to get the papers at the library.
 

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