The Obligate Human Pathogen, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Is Polyploid
2006
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Has Multiple Genome Copies
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Deborah Tobiason, Hank Seifert
Hypothesis
Does Neisseria gonorrhoeae have more than one genome copy per cell?
Conclusion
Neisseria gonorrhoeae has multiple genome copies per cell, which may aid in its survival and ability to evade the human immune system.
Supporting Evidence
- N. gonorrhoeae has been shown to have between four and six genome equivalents per cell.
- Monococci had about three to six genome equivalents, while diplococci averaged about four to ten per cell.
- The study used flow cytometry to separate cells based on their DNA content.
Takeaway
Some bacteria, like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can have more than one copy of their DNA, which helps them avoid being detected by our immune system.
Methodology
The researchers used cell sorting, fluorescent microscopy, microarray, and quantitative PCR techniques to analyze the DNA content of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Limitations
Future studies are needed to determine the implications of polyploidy for pilin antigenic variation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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