Figure 2. Reverse Transcriptase PCR showing the expression of potential GlcNAc N -deacetylase genes bd0468 and bd3279 and the known constitutive control gene dnaK over the predatory cycle of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.

RNA was isolated at the time points indicated across the top of the gel during one round of synchronous Bdellovibrio infection of E. coli cells. Primers were designed to anneal specifically to the gene of interest. L = 100 bp DNA ladder, AP = Attack Phase cells, 15–45, 1 h–4 h = minutes or hours respectively since infection. Ec = E. coli strain S17-1 RNA (negative control: no Bdellovibrio); NT = control with no template RNA; gen = B. bacteriovorus HD100 genomic DNA (positive control). Expression of both deacetylase genes peaked at 15–30 minutes early in the predatory cycle while the positive control gene dnaK was expressed at all stages of the predatory cycle.