Molecular biology of mycoplasmas: from the minimum cell concept to the artificial cell

Mycoplasmas are a large group of bacteria, sorted into different genera in the Mollicutes class, whose main characteristic in common, besides the small genome, is the absence of cell wall. They are considered cellular and molecular biology study models. We present an updated review of the molecular...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2016-01, Vol.88 Suppl 1 (suppl 1), p.599-607
Main Authors: Cordova, Caio M M, Hoeltgebaum, Daniela L, Machado, Laís D P N, Santos, Larissa Dos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artificial Cells
biologia molecular
biologia sintética
Genome, Bacterial
genética microbiana
micoplasma
Molecular Biology
MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES
Mycoplasma - classification
Mycoplasma - genetics
Phylogeny
Recombination, Genetic
Tenericutes - genetics
técnicas de transferência de genes
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Summary:Mycoplasmas are a large group of bacteria, sorted into different genera in the Mollicutes class, whose main characteristic in common, besides the small genome, is the absence of cell wall. They are considered cellular and molecular biology study models. We present an updated review of the molecular biology of these model microorganisms and the development of replicative vectors for the transformation of mycoplasmas. Synthetic biology studies inspired by these pioneering works became possible and won the attention of the mainstream media. For the first time, an artificial genome was synthesized (a minimal genome produced from consensus sequences obtained from mycoplasmas). For the first time, a functional artificial cell has been constructed by introducing a genome completely synthesized within a cell envelope of a mycoplasma obtained by transformation techniques. Therefore, this article offers an updated insight to the state of the art of these peculiar organisms' molecular biology.
ISSN:0001-3765
1678-2690
1678-2690
DOI:10.1590/0001-3765201620150164