Pre-Final Short Question Flashcards
What is horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and how has it contributed to the evolutionary history of microbes?
HGT is the exchange of genetic material between different organism. It has facilitated rapid adaptation and evolution in microbes by allowing the spread of beneficial traits, such as antibiotic resistance.
What are the ecological implications of HGT in microbial adaptation?
HGT can enhance microbial adaptation by allowing:
- Rapid acquisition of benficial traits like antibiotic resistance
- Increase genetic diversity within microbial populations
How has HGT interacted with the endosymbiont theory to shape the evolutionary history of microbial eukaryotes?
HGT has influenced the evolution of microbial eukaryotes through endosymbiosis, by facilitating the evolution of complex organelles such as mitochondria and cloroplasts, which are believed to have originated from endosymbiotic bacteria that were incorporated into ancestral eukaryotic cells via HGT
What impact does biofilm formation have on the efficacy of antibiotics in clinical settings, and what strategies can be used to overcome this challenge?
Biofilm formation reduces antibiotic efficacy by providing a protective barrier for bacteria. Strategies to overcome this include using combination therapies and developing new antimicrobial agents.
What is the role of biofilms in wastewater treatment processes, and how can they be utilized to improve system efficiency?
Biofilms play a crucial role in wastewater treatment by facilitating the breakdown of organic matter and improving system efficiency through enhanced microbial activity.
Describe three practical applications of microbial biodegradation and bioremediation.
- land restoration: presence of certain microbes have the potential to remove contaminants from soil
- water treatment: certain fungal species have shown major appplication for the bio-absorption of waste materials in waste water treatment
- oil spill cleanup: certain species of bacteria have shown potential to degrade hydrocarbons
What is the role of mycorrhizae at the plant-soil interface, and what are the two main types of mycorrhizal associations?
Mycorrhizae enhance nutrient uptake for plants at the plant-soil interface. The 2 main types are:
- Ectomycorrhizae: which form a sheath around plant roots
- Endomycorrhizae: which penetrate plant cells
How does microbiome diversity enable host species such as koalas to digest various eucalyptus or the Japanese’s adaptation to digesting sulfonated glycans like porphyrans?
Microbiome diversity enables host species to digest specific compounds by providing enzymatic capabilities that the host lacks.
What is the relationship between the gut microbiome and neurotransmitter production, and how does
this influence the gut-brain axis?
The gut microbiome influences neurotransmitter production, affecting the gut-brain axis and impacting mood, behavior, and cognitive function in hosts.
