Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Information of the biochemistry and genetics of bacterial species, usually obtained by the study of single isolates, is enhanced by studies of populations of bacteria. Recent advances in molecular technology, particularly polymerase chain reaction-based nucleotide sequence analysis, provide powerful tools for the study of population genetics. Data obtained by such techniques indicate that, while some bacterial species have a clonal population structure, others are non-clonal or panmictic. Clonal populations are a consequence of asexual reproduction by binary fission; panmictic population structures result from 'horizontal' exchange of genetic material between clones. A consequence of horizontal genetic exchange is mosaic gene structures, recognisable by comparisons of nucleotide sequences. In transformable bacteria, for example the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, several different genes, including the gene encoding the class 1 outer membrane protein, a major surface antigen, are mosaics. This genetic process has implications both for vaccine design and in the interpretation of epidemiological data.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1574-6968.1993.tb06457.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

FEMS Microbiol Lett

Publication Date

15/09/1993

Volume

112

Pages

243 - 250

Keywords

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins, Genes, Bacterial, Genetics, Population, Mosaicism, Neisseria meningitidis, Transformation, Genetic