anhydrous and hydrated models for the complex, the subunits, and the assembly from the constituents [4][5][6][7][8]. Moreover, the crystallographic availability of this MDa complex provides the opportunity to apply modern scattering and hydrodynamic modeling approaches to such huge entities, including assemblage of the complex from its constituents, and to check the extensive reduction steps to be adopted for modeling. We tackled the following problems: (i) comparison of the SAXS-or EM-based conventional or ab initio models for the HBL complex with up-to-date crystallographic data, (ii) modelling the HBL complex from constituents, (iii) realistic assumptions or predictions regarding the contribution of hydration, (iv) search for any discrepancies between solution and crystal data. For modelling, primarily the programs DAMMIN, HYDRO, HYDCRYST and several modifications of the approaches were applied, in addition to usage of templates and superimpositions; results were checked by prediction of structural and hydrodynamic data. The most serious problems arose from amino acids missing in the crystallographic data base. We eventually managed to explain the observed discrepancies by the residues absent in the crystal structure of the linker chains; these residues are obviously located in the central core of the complex. . et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1996, 271, 18695; Biopolymers, 1998, 45, 289; Biophys. J. 2004 Biophys. J. , 87, 1173 [5] Zipper P., Durchschlag H., J. Appl. Crystallogr. 2000, 33, 788; 2003, 36, 509; Physica A, 2002, 314, 613; J. Biol. Phys. 2007, 33, 523; Eur. Biophys. J. 2010, 39, 481. [6] Zipper P. et al., in: Analytical Ultracentrifugation (Scott D.J. et al., eds.), RSC, Cambridge, 2005, p. 320; Prog. Coll. Polym. Sci. 2002, 119, 141;2004, 127, 126; 2006, 131, 41 We have begun using a hybrid pixel detector (HPD), specifically the Dectris Pilatus 100K, in home lab single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. In order to assess the utility of such a device for the home lab, we have studied the performance of this device for both small molecule and protein data collection experiments with copper radiation. We will present results comparing HPD data collection to conventional CCD data collection as well as results comparing conventional data collection to "shutterless" data collection in terms of data quality and increased throughput. Conjugative plasmid transfer is an important way for horizontal gene spread (e.g. antibiotic resistance genes) [1]. It can lead to the increase of bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistances. The plasmid conjugation process in Gramnegative bacteria has been studied in detail, whereas little information is available about the corresponding mechanisms in Gram-positive bacteria [2]. The transfer region of our Gram-positive multiple antibiotic resistance plasmid pIP501 is organized in an operon encoding fifteen putative transfer proteins. The transfer region of pIP501 encodes a putative simplified type IV secretion system (T4SS), as three pIP501-encoded Tra proteins show ...

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