Informational architecture organizes plasmid genomes
Plasmids are widely viewed as carriers of accessory genes, whereas molecular machineries required to replicate, transcribe and translate genetic information are thought to be encoded primarily by chromosomes. Yet, the recurrent presence of these central dogma-associated genes on plasmids raises a fundamental question of whether these genes merely represent incidental acquisitions or form…
Recent research examining 61,961 plasmids from various prokaryotic organisms reveals that plasmids possess a structured organization for their genetic information. Plasmids, previously considered mere carriers of accessory genes, are now found to encode essential molecular machinery for replication, transcription, and translation.
The study's findings indicate that plasmid-encoded genes, including tRNAs, exhibit a predictable architecture rather than being random additions. The presence and abundance of tRNAs on plasmids can be predicted based on the surrounding gene content and align with the codon demands of plasmid genes. This coordinated organizational pattern extends to genes involved in replication, transcription, and translation, suggesting that plasmids not only carry adaptive functions but also facilitate the infrastructure necessary for their execution.
The research indicates that horizontal gene transfer contributes to the evolutionary role of plasmids by providing the necessary support for their genetic operations.
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