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Figure 1 | Genome Biology

Figure 1

From: Cell death upon epigenetic genome methylation: a novel function of methyl-specific deoxyribonucleases

Figure 1

Host killing by RM systems and by methyl-specific DNases (McrBC) in competition. (a) When a resident RM gene complex is replaced by a competitor genetic element, a decrease in the modification enzyme level results in exposure of newly replicated chromosomal restriction sites to lethal cleavage by the remaining restriction enzyme molecules. The intact genome copies will survive in uninfected neighboring clonal cells. (b) When a DNA methylation system enters a cell and begins to methylate chromosomal recognition sites, McrBC senses the change and triggers cell death by chromosomal cleavage. The intact genome copies will survive in uninfected neighboring clonal cells.

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