Genetic and Phenotypic Study of the <i>Pectobacterium versatile</i> Beta-Lactamase, the Enzyme Most Similar to the Plasmid-Encoded TEM-1

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the chromosomal beta-lactamase from Pectobacterium versatile , PEC-1, with the well-known and globally distributed TEM-1 in terms of genetic and functional properties. Despite the similarities between the enzymes, we obtained no definitive proof of gene transfer for the emergence of bla PEC-1 from bla TEM-1 . </jats:p