Evidence for gene non-functionalization due to mutational processes is found in genomes in
the form of pseudogenes. Pseudogenes are known to be rare in prokaryote chromosomes …

Plasmids are key drivers of bacterial evolution by transferring genes between cells via
conjugation. Yet, half of the plasmids lack all protein coding genes for this process. We …

Conjugation drives the horizontal transfer of adaptive traits across prokaryotes. One-fourth of
the plasmids encode the functions necessary to conjugate autonomously, the others being …

Plasmids are key vectors of horizontal gene transfer and essential genetic engineering tools.
They code for genes involved in many aspects of microbial biology, including detoxication …

Conjugative plasmids are important drivers of bacterial evolution. Most plasmids lack genes
for conjugation and characterized origins of transfer (oriT), which has hampered our …

Highlights•Plasmid evolution reviewed from the perspective of plasmids.•Mobility, stability,
and indispensability largely determine plasmid lifestyles.•Changes in plasmid traits facilitate …

Coevolution with bacteriophages is a major selective force shaping bacterial populations
and communities. A variety of both environmental and genetic factors has been shown to …

Plasmids contain a backbone of core genes that remains relatively stable for long
evolutionary periods, making sense to speak about plasmid species. The identification and …

Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements in prokaryotes that have been recognized
as important drivers of microbial ecology and evolution. Plasmids are found in multiple …

Plasmid conjugation is a major route for the dissemination of antibiotic resistances and
adaptive genes among bacterial populations. Obtaining precise conjugation rates is thus …