Genotoxic Agents Produce Stressor-Specific Spectra of Spectinomycin Resistance Mutations Based on Mechanism of Action and Selection in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Mutagenesis is integral for bacterial evolution and the development of antibiotic resistance. Environmental toxins and stressors are known to elevate the rate of mutagenesis through direct DNA toxicity, known as stress-associated mutagenesis, or via a more general stress-induced process that relies on intrinsic bacterial pathways.