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- Title
Gene transfer agents: phage-like elements of genetic exchange.
- Authors
Lang, Andrew S; Zhaxybayeva, Olga; Beatty, J Thomas
- Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is important in the evolution of bacterial and archaeal genomes. An interesting genetic exchange process is carried out by diverse phage-like gene transfer agents (GTAs) that are found in a wide range of prokaryotes. Although GTAs resemble phages, they lack the hallmark capabilities that define typical phages, and they package random pieces of the producing cell's genome. In this Review, we discuss the defining characteristics of the GTAs that have been identified to date, along with potential functions for these agents and the possible evolutionary forces that act on the genes involved in their production.
- Publication
Nature reviews. Microbiology, 2012, Vol 10, Issue 7, p472
- ISSN
1740-1534
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/nrmicro2802