Mobilization of the non-conjugative IncQ plasmid RSF1010

Abstract

SUMMARY The broad host-range non-conjugative IncQ plasmid RSF1010 was mobilised with 100% efficiency in membrane filter matings, both in E. coli K12 and P. aeruginosa PAO, by broad host-range conjugative IncP plasmids. No homology between RSF1010 and an IncP plasmid could be detected. In E. coli , IncIα and IncX plasmids, but not IncF, IncN or IncW plasmids, were also relatively efficient at mobilising RSF1010, while in P. aeruginosa , R91–5 (IncP-10) was highly efficient, but pMG5 (IncP-2) and FP2 (IncP-8) were very inefficient. IncP plasmids also mobilised several plasmids derived from RSF1010 for use as in vectors in in vitro recombination experiments very efficiently, and pSC101 quite efficiently: this reduces the level of biological containment possible with these plasmids.