Genetic fusion of incompatible plasmids in Pseudomonas

Abstract

The genes specifying enzymes responsible for the degradation of camphor and octane occur on transmissible plasmids in Pseudomonas putida strain PpG1 and P. oleovorans. Since the presence of the plasmids is vital for the oxidative metabolism of camphor or octane (by the cells) in the absence of other carbon sources, such naturally occurring, energy-generating plasmids have been designated as degradative plasmids. The two degradative plasmids, CAM and OCT, are incompatible with each other and cannot coexist in the same cell. By the use of UV irradiation and suitable selection techniques, it has been possible to fuse these two plasmids so they become part of the same replicon and coexist. Such a technique might be useful in introducing several degradative pathways in the same cell.