Genome Instability in Bacteria

The genomes of bacterial cells are constantly under attack by exogenous and endogenous DNA-damaging agents that can have catastrophic and uncontrolled effects on genome stability. However, evolutionary forces have endowed bacteria with various sources of genome instability that can also have important beneficial consequences, such as the generation of genetic diversity and enhanced mechanisms of gene regulation, often in response to stresses and changes in environmental conditions. This chapter discusses various sources of genome instability in bacteria, including stress responses, mutator genotypes, recombination, specialized genetic sequences, and mobile genetic elements. Some consequences of these different pathways are discussed, especially focusing on ones that impact pathogens and their interactions with their hosts.