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Bacteria Explode to Spread Antibiotic Resistance
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Science about 3 hours ago

Bacteria Explode to Spread Antibiotic Resistance

Scientists have uncovered a startling mechanism where bacteria "explode" themselves using virus-like particles called Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) to rapidly spread antibiotic resistance among neighboring cells. This surprising "kamikaze" strategy, controlled by a three-gene system (LypABC) repurposed from an ancient immune defense, maximizes the release of resistance-carrying DNA, accelerating a global health threat.

Scientists have uncovered a startling mechanism where bacteria "explode" themselves using virus-like particles called Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) to rapidly spread antibiotic resistance among neighboring cells.

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