As the genomic sequences of viruses, fungi, and bacteria become ... and they can be part of a chromosome or found on separate plasmids. These islands often contain genes required for the pathogen ...

Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that allows the exchange of genetic material between two organisms or cells ...

But what's all the hype about? Well, it turns out that Type IV systems have a marked tendency to naturally target plasmids, rather than bacterial viruses. Importantly, the targeted plasmids ...