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SUMMARY:The sweet smell of E. coli division - Dr David Summers\, Departmen
 t of Genetics\, University of Cambridge
DTSTART:20140218T200000Z
DTEND:20140218T211500Z
UID:TALK49749@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Adam
DESCRIPTION:Plasmids are weapons of mass destruction within the prokaryoti
 c genome. They extend the metabolic capacity of their host\, allowing it t
 o invade and survive in new environments\, and confer pathogenicity and an
 tibiotic resistance to otherwise benign bacteria. They also play a crucial
  role in bacterial evolution. When compared to plasmid-mediated horizontal
  gene transfer in prokaryotes\, our feeble efforts to generate genetic var
 iation by sexual reproduction are laughable.\n\nDespite the variety of adv
 antages they confer on bacteria\, the relationship between plasmids and th
 eir hosts is complex. While at times it appears mutualistic\, it sometimes
  seems to veer towards parasitism. The more selfish aspects of their behav
 iour seem to support the argument that plasmids should be considered as si
 mple living organisms in their own right.\n\nIn this talk Dr Summers will 
 tell the story of a research project that has that has been conducted in h
 is laboratory in Cambridge for over twenty years. Starting as a study of t
 he mechanisms that ensure E. coli plasmids are transmitted to both daughte
 r cells at division\, it led to the discovery that plasmids selfishly regu
 late the bacterial cell cycle to ensure their own survival. As a bonus the
  study has also revealed a previously unknown\, and very unexpected\, mech
 anism by which bacteria regulate their own cell division. \n\nEveryone is 
 welcome. Free for members\, £2 on the door for non-members. Followed by r
 efreshments (that means smoothies\, cheese and grapes!).
LOCATION:Department of Pharmacology Lecture Theatre\, Tennis Court Road
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