Article Abstract:
The phenomenon of DNA restriction and modification (R-M) observed in bacterial viruses is a defense mechanism adopted by the phages and is attributed to an endonucleolytic cleavage of foreign DNA. There are two kinds of restriction systems. The first restricts cellular DNA by the modification methylation and adenosyl or cytosyl residues within the sequences identified by restriction enzymes. The other cleaves DNA carrying specific modifications. The phages have developed a wide variety of mechanisms to counteract restriction. Recombinogenic double-stranded breaks in homologous incoming DNA can be facilitated by the type I R-M systems.
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Article Abstract:
A study has been conducted to provide a mechanistic and molecular understanding of gliding motility in bacteria. Gliding has been defined as the movement of a nonflagellated cell in the direction of its long axis on a surface. Findings have revealed that gliding motility among prokaryotic substances is caused by the presence of multiple motor elements along the cell body of the organism. The motility apparatus catalyzing the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy may not be localized in the cytosol, as originally believed.
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Article Abstract:
The gram-negative soil bacteria, myxobacteria, consists of 12 genera and about 40 species. These group of bacteria is characterized by its unique social behavior and complex developmental cycle. The group's characteristic rudimentary multicellularity despite its prokaryotic origin makes it an ideal tool in molecular manipulation studies. Current researches have studied the organism's cell-cell signal mechanisms, tactic behavior, reproductive organ development and antibiotic production.
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