Does anyone know or have thoughts on whether bacterial genomes are in a
state of expansion (perhaps by horizontal transfer of genes, eg.
pathogenicity islands), or in a state of reduction (eg, deletion of
intergenic spaces to form operons). Over time can we expect bacterial
genomes to become more compact or acquire more DNA from other sources?
Your thoughts are most appreciated!
David
David J. McGee, Ph. D.
dmcge001 at umaryland.edu
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
13009 Bressler Research Building
655 W. Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Lab Phone: 410-706-0466
Fax: 410-706-6751
