Multiple microbiological studies confirm that bacteria release free or extracellular DNA into their environment through active secretion, membrane vesicles, or cell lysis.
Evidence for · 6
Secretins revealed: structural insights into the giant gated outer membrane portals of bacteria.
2018 · cited by 36
Paper 2 discusses specialized secretion systems in bacteria that export DNA across membranes into the extracellular space.
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More for · 5
Tracing the origins of extracellular DNA in bacterial biofilms: story of death and predation to community benefit
2021 · cited by 35
Paper 3 reviews how bacteria release extracellular DNA into their environment through various means such as cell death, membrane vesicles, or active processes.
DNA secretion and gene-level selection in bacteria
2006 · cited by 33
Paper 4 examines the specific secretion of DNA from intact bacteria into the extracellular environment for genetic transformation.
Unraveling the multifaceted role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) of biofilm in bacterial physiology, biofilm formation, and matrixome architecture
2025 · cited by 31
Paper 5 details the release of extracellular DNA into the bacterial biofilm matrix via mechanisms like cell lysis, vesicle-mediated release, and active secretion.
Nicotine Enhances Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Formation by Altering the Bacterial Autolysis, Extracellular DNA Releasing, and Polysaccharide Intercellular Adhesin Production
2018 · cited by 17
Paper 7 notes that certain bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis actively release extracellular DNA into their surrounding environment during biofilm formation.
Flagellar stator genes control a trophic shift from obligate to facultative predation and biofilm formation in a bacterial predator
2024 · cited by 4
Paper 10 discusses how specific bacterial variants are capable of secreting extracellular DNA as part of their biofilm matrix components.