How Invading Bacteria Can Integrate Captured DNA Into Own Genetic Makeup

Researchers at Texas A&M University's Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering have discovered how certain types of **bacteria** integrate the **DNA** that they have captured from invading enemies into their own genetic makeup to increase their chances of survival. To be more accurate, the genetic material isn't really captured as much as it is simply utilized after it's injected into the bacteria by an invading **virus**, says Professor Thomas K. Wood, who along with colleagues Xiaoxue Wang and Younghoon Kim has published the findings in Nature's 2009 International Society for Microbial Ecology Journal. More on "che.tamu.edu":[ http://che.tamu.edu/orgs/groups/Wood/pdf/Hha%20Cp4-57%20ISMEJ%202009.pdf]

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