Cholera-causing bacteria have defences that degrade plasmid invaders

Bacteria harbour two previously unknown anti-plasmid systems. Plasmids - circular DNA molecules - are found in many bacteria, and carry genes that can give the host microorganism new features. The mystery of how a cholera-causing bacterium eliminates plasmids has now been solved.

Automated summary

This article introduces two previously unknown anti-plasmid systems in bacteria and explains how a cholera-causing bacterium eliminates plasmids.