Horizontal transfer of plasmids by conjugation is a fundamental mechanism driving the widespread dissemination of drug resistance among bacterial populations. The successful colonization of a new host cell necessitates the plasmid to navigate through a series of sequential steps, each dependent on specific plasmid or host factors. This review explores recent advancements in comprehending the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern plasmid transmission, establishment, and long-term maintenance. Adopting a plasmid-centric perspective, we describe the critical steps and bottlenecks in the plasmid’s journey toward a new host cell, encompassing exploration and contact initiation, invasion, establishment and control, and assimilation.

中文翻译：

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接合质粒通往新型宿主细胞的曲折旅程

通过接合进行质粒水平转移是推动细菌群体中耐药性广泛传播的基本机制。新宿主细胞的成功定殖需要质粒通过一系列连续步骤，每个步骤都依赖于特定的质粒或宿主因素。这篇综述探讨了在理解控制质粒传播、建立和长期维持的细胞和分子机制方面的最新进展。采用以质粒为中心的视角，我们描述了质粒通往新宿主细胞的旅程中的关键步骤和瓶颈，包括探索和接触起始、入侵、建立和控制以及同化。