Prokaryotic Gene and Sex Exchange Flashcards
Bacteria have 3 main ways of acquiring DNA
transformation, transduction and conjugation
Describe transformation
- common amongst gram positive bacteria
- acquisition of DNA directly from the environment
- very powerful for genetic exchange
- acquiring new functions such as antibiotic resistance
During transformation, DNA acquired must be
recombined into the host, except if it is a self-replicating plasmid
Transformation occurs by
- nicking of one DNA strand
- a single stranded binding protein attaches
- allows cross strand exchange between the DNA chi
What nicks the DNA strand during transformation?
an endonuclease
What is a splice in transformation?
When the nick is on the external strand of the chi
What is a patch in transformation?
when the cut is on the internal strand of the chi
Transformation can be monitored in the lab using
a marker that tracks the path of recombination
Trp- means a bacteria
can’t grow on Trp
Plating cells with no Trp and seeing when they begin to grow proves that
they have taken up some DNA
What does measuring DNA uptake require
an auxotrophic marker, or antibiotic resistance system
Described induction of transformation in gram negative bacteria
- bacterial cells bind the DNA at the surface and strip it with nuclease
- it enters the cell single stranded
- recombination allows the cell to replicate
- makes the cell very leaky
Inducing transformation in gram negative bacteria involves
- electroporation
- surface shielding of the extracellular polysachharide and S protein layers stops external molecules such as toxins, and antibiotics from invading,
- stops immune attack.
Describe electroporation
an electric pulse knocks holes in the membrane
Give an example of a naturally transformable clade of bacteria
the Streptococci
Generalised transduction involves
aquiring DNA from a phage
Describe generalised transduction
- a lytic phage enters the cell and replicates
- some phage DNA combines with any part of the chromosomal or plasmid DNA
- creates a transducing particle
- transfers genes from one strain to another, from host to recipient cells
Describe the basics of specialised transduction
- requires a transducing phage
- activated by processes such as the LexA SOS cycle
Give an example of a transducing phage
lambda phage
Describe transducing phages
composed of a phage head and a linear molecule
Describe the specifics of specialised transduction
- the transducing phage cyclises in the host, forming a sphericule with adhesive ends
- site-specific endonucleases cut at ATBs
- allows DNA insertion and integration between the galactose and biotin genes, forming a prophage
- prophage can then excise and replicate if the lytic cycle is induced
ATBs
- attachment sites in bacterial chromosomes
- complementary to ATPs in the phage