microbial genetics Flashcards
what is horizontal gene transfer
genes are passed laterally from one mature prokaryote to another
what type of organisms can undergo HGT
prokaryotes
what is a recombinant organism
one that has characteristics of both the donor and recipient
what is the main method of genetic diversity among prokaryotes
HGT
what types of DNA can be transferred in HGT
a DNA fragment or a plasmid
list the 3 methods in which HGT can occur
conjugation, transformation, transduction
what are the 2 possible fates for HGT
either you get stable recombinants or no stable recombinants
what 2 ways can we get stable recombinants due to HGT
if the DNA is integrated into the host chromosome or if the donor DNA self replicates into a plasmid
what 2 ways do we get no stable recombinants due to HGT
when the donor DNA cannot self replicate, or when there’s degradation of donor DNA
define conjugation
transfer of genetic material from a donor cell to a recipient cell via direct contact
what is conjugation mediated by
the F plasmid
what does the F plasmid stand for
fertility plasmid
how many stands do plasmids have
2
shape of plasmids?
linear or circular
do plasmids have lots of few genes
few
describe the importance of plasmids in regards to the host genome
plasmids are seen as “extra” for the host
describe the number of copies that plasmids can exist as
can be single or multicopy
define episome
a plasmid that can exist with or without being incorporated into the host’s chromosome
T or F: the F plasmid is an episome
true
what are cells that carry the F plasmid called
F+ (donor)
what are cells that lack the F plasmid called
F- (recipient)
what do F+ cells produce to aid in conjugation
sex pili
what type of bacteria is the F plasmid found in
only gram negative
T or F: the F plasmid is found in all types of bacteria (both gram neg and pos)
false; only gram negative
describe conjugation briefly
donor cell protrudes the sex pilus and contact is made with the recipient cell. F plasmid goes through the sex pilus into the recipient cell and then the pilus retracts