74 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The conditions under which plasmids are predicted to persist remain controversial. Here, we reevaluate the ordinary differential equations used previously to model plasmid persistence and conclude that the parameter space required for maintenance is far less stringent than has been supposed. Strikingly, our model demonstrates that purely parasitic plasmids may persist, even in the absence of heterogeneity in the host population, and that this persistence is expressed by oscillations or damped oscillations between the plasmid-bearing and the plasmid-free class.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)399-405
Number of pages7
JournalGenetics
Volume177
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Bibliographical note

ID number: ISI:000250049300032

Keywords

  • POPULATIONS
  • BACTERIAL PLASMIDS
  • STABILITY
  • CELLS
  • EVOLUTION
  • SELECTION
  • REPLICATION

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