Microbial Genetics

Biology 2404 with Jarzem at Austin Community College

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By: Gemma Mansfield
Created: 2011-12-02
Size: 14 flashcards
Views: 7

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What is the structure of DNA?

DNA ( the poluymer) consists of 2 chains of nuceotise ( the monomer) line up side by side with the "base" part lined up with each other. 1 ring bases are across from a 2 ring bases. Some bases form 2 hydrogen bonds other form 3 hydrogen bonds.

A = T, C = G

DNA codes for how to make proteins

What is transcription?

Changing DNA to RNA. RNA is similar to DNA except its built around a sugar ribose instead of a dexyribose. RNA also uses Uracil instead of Thymine. Rna is one gene and is one chain of nucleotides rather than 2 twisted together like DNA. RNA polymerase attached to the beginning of the gene, match up and connects the RNA nucleotides that fit one strand of the DNA. THis type of RNA is messanger RNA.

What is translation?

THe process of actually making a protein. mRNA would instruct the ribosome to join amino acids in a different order making a different protein with a different function in the cell. tRNA brings the amino acids to the ribosome to be connected together to make the protein.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change in the DNA. A mutation may cause harm to the cell , give the cell an added advantage, or make no change.

If it makes a difference, its not good.

Who become resistant to antibiotics?

The bacteria NOT US!

If a strain of bacteria mutates will the bacteria become "stronger"?

No, the growth will compensate and it may not be as healthy as a non resistant strain.

How do bacteria acquire mutations?

1. Spontaneous mutations

2. mutagens

3. By picking up genes from other bacteria

What is spontaneous mutations?

Sometimes errors are made in copying the DNA. Cells have repair enzymes to deal with these errors , but they arent always fool proof and sometimes the mutation remains.

** VIruses dont have repair enzymes so they are prone to mutations.

What are mutagens?

Certain chemicals and some forms of radiation can cause damage to DNA. Again repair enzymes may fix this but not always.

How do bacteria pick up genes from other bacteria?

1. conjugation

2. transformation

3. transduction

What is conjugation?

A bacteria with a pilus (sometimes a sex pilus "bacterial sex") connects to another bacterium and copies its plasmid and transfers it to another bacterium.

What is transformation?

Spme bacteria can also pick up any genes that might happen to be ling around in their environment. THe DNA could come from a bacterium that has died and ruptured ( or Lysed).

What is transduction?

a virus that infects a cell picks up a peice of the cells DA as the new virus particle is being ade. WHen that virus infects another cell the second cell can acquire some bacterial DNA to it by the virus.

How do bacteria survive an envionment that contains antibiotics?

1. destroying the drug - A mutated enzyme is made that changes the antibiotic in a way that renders it useless.

2. Changing the target of the drug - A normal structure or pathway in the bacteria cell is change due to mutation. antibiotic no longer works

3. Keeping the antibiotic out fo the cell by changing the transporter protein or passageway throught the bacterial envelope and the antibiotic cant enter.

4. by pumping the antibiotic out of the cell before it can damage it.

About this deck

By: Gemma Mansfield
Created: 2011-12-02
Size: 14 flashcards
Views: 7

About StudyBlue

“I have been getting MUCH better grades on all my tests for school. Flash cards, notes, and quizzes are great on here. Thanks!”
Kathy