How rolling circle plasmids control their copy number

Trends Microbiol. 1997 Nov;5(11):440-6. doi: 10.1016/S0966-842X(97)01143-8.

Abstract

Rolling circle DNA replication is inherently continuous and unregulated. This 'go-for-broke' strategy works well for lytic phages but is suicidal for plasmids that must coexist with their host. Plasmids have consequently evolved elaborate copy number control systems that operate at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA Helicases / biosynthesis
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Models, Biological
  • Plasmids / biosynthesis*
  • Plasmids / genetics*
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / biosynthesis
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • replication initiator protein
  • RNA
  • DNA Helicases