Gene transfer agent
Encyclopedia
A gene transfer agent or "GTA" is a virus-like element that contains random pieces of the host chromosome
and are found in most members of the alphaproteobacteria
order Rhodobacterales
. They are encoded by the host genome. GTAs transfer DNA so frequently that they may have an important role in evolution.
A 2010 report found that genes for antibiotic resistance could be transferred by engineering GTAs in the laboratory.
Chromosome
A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions.Chromosomes...
and are found in most members of the alphaproteobacteria
Alphaproteobacteria
Alphaproteobacteria is a class of Proteobacteria. Like all Proteobacteria, they are Gram-negative.-Characteristics:The Alphaproteobacteria comprise most phototrophic genera, but also several genera metabolising C1-compounds , symbionts of plants and animals, and a group of pathogens, the...
order Rhodobacterales
Rhodobacterales
In taxonomy, the Rhodobacterales are an order of the Alphaproteobacteria.Gene transfer agents are viruslike elements produced by Rhodobacterales which transfer DNA and may be an important factor in their evolution.-External links:...
. They are encoded by the host genome. GTAs transfer DNA so frequently that they may have an important role in evolution.
A 2010 report found that genes for antibiotic resistance could be transferred by engineering GTAs in the laboratory.