Variation in O-antigens, niche-specific selection and bacterial populations.

Abstract excerpt

Bacterial populations usually consist of distinct clones, often apparently adapted to specific niches. A formal model is developed whereby niche-specific selection maintains the polymorphisms involved in clonal adaptation. Infrequent transfer of non-adaptive alleles to a clone is balanced by the selection for the resident adaptive allele. The model can account for the extensive polymorphism in surface antigens...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Adaptation, Physiological
• Share to Escherichia coli
• Share to Genetic Variation