Applied Microbiology Lecture 5 - Microbial Genetics

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on microbial genetics, focusing on DNA structure, gene expression, mutations, and methods of genetic transfer among bacteria.

Genome

All of the genetic material in a cell.

Genetics

Science of heredity; study of genes, information transfer, and gene replication.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from RNA sequences.

Operon

A cluster of genes regulated together, including a promoter, operator, and structural genes.

β-Galactosidase

An enzyme induced to break down lactose into glucose and galactose.

Repressor Protein

A regulatory protein that inhibits gene expression by binding to DNA.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the bacterial chromosome.

Mutation

A stable, heritable change in the DNA sequence, which can lead to genetic variation.

Transformational Gene Transfer

The uptake of 'naked' DNA from the environment by a competent cell.

Conjugation

The direct transfer of DNA between bacteria through a physical connection (sex pilus).

Transduction

The transfer of bacterial DNA via bacteriophages.

Point Mutation

Involves a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutation

Occurs due to insertions or deletions, altering the reading frame of the gene.

Mutagen

An agent that induces mutations in DNA.

Intrinsic Termination

A method of transcription termination in bacteria that relies on sequences in the RNA.

Extrinsic Termination

Transcription termination requiring a protein factor, such as Rho.

Transposable Elements

Mobile genetic elements that can move within and between DNA molecules.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genes between bacteria of the same generation, increasing genetic diversity.