Adaptation of model genetically engineered microorganisms to lake water: growth rate enhancements and plasmid loss

Article Abstract:

The potential growth rate, survival and plasmid stability of two prototrophic and two auxotrophic strains of Pseudomonas putida were determined.These organisms served as model genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) during extended exposure to the natural lake water environment. The results showed that the auxotrophic strains lost their plasmids within 24 hours, although the prototrophic strains retained them. Auxotrophic reisolates, as well as prototrophs that lost their plasmids, had increased growth rates in diluted medium and in sterilized lake water. These results indicate that GEMs tend to increase their fitness by postrelease adaptations.

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Impact of a genetically engineered bacterium with enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity on marine phytoplankton communities

Article Abstract:

A genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) with increased alkaline phosphatase activity increases the inorganic phosphate and phytoplankton biomass in microcosms. The increase in biomass due to the increase in the availability of nitrogen is a secondary effect of GEM. This indicates that the GEM's effects are regulated by interactions between various biogeochemical processes. Microcosms with GEM retain the capacity to produce and accumulate inorganic phosphate for more than a month. GEM is formed by a marine Achromobacter strain modified with a phoA hybrid gene.

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Flow-cytometric cell sorting and subsequent molecular analyses for culture-independent identification of bacterioplankton involved in dimethylsulfoniopropionate transformations

Article Abstract:

A culture-independent approach is used to identify bacteria involved in dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) degradation at the species level. The analysis indicates that diverse bacterioplankton participate in the metabolism of DMSP in coastal marine systems and their relative importance varies temporally.

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