Plasmid segregation and stability in bacteria, by Prof. Barbara Funnell University of Toronto, Canada

The 32-minute lecture titled "Plasmid Segregation and Stability in Bacteria" by Prof. Barbara Funnell from the University of Toronto, Canada, explores various processes contributing to plasmid stability in bacteria. It delves into the necessity of partition systems for specific plasmids and their role as positioning systems, often organized into tripartite cassettes. The lecture discusses the classification of plasmid partition systems based on NTPase homology and the structure and function of centromere-binding proteins like RHH2 and HTH2. Furthermore, the Lecture elucidates mechanisms such as ParB forming large partition complexes at parS sites, the involvement of ParA in plasmid/par complexes localization, and the role of ParM filaments in driving plasmids apart.  Prof. Barbara Funnell also addresses the autoregulation of Par operons, the localization dynamics of ParA across the bacterial nucleoid, and the transport reaction nature of plasmid partition, including insights into ParA-like cargo systems. For further details, watch a video