Genetic divergence in the algT-muc operon controlling alginate biosynthesis and response to environmental stress in Pseudomonas syringae

The algT-muc gene cluster (rpoE operon) is important for alginate productio n and survival during environmental stress in Pseudomonas syringae. The alg T-muc operon was cloned and sequenced from P. syringae to determine whether the organization of this gene cluster was conserved in this plant pathogen . Interestingly, analysis of the algT-muc region in P. syringae revealed a unique arrangement when compared to other bacteria and lacked a mucC homolo gue. The relative importance of the mucC gene in the algT (rpoE) operon of various bacterial species is discussed.