Bacterial Genetic Analysis and Manipulation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to bacterial genetic analysis and manipulation.

Bacterial Genetics

The study of genetics in bacteria, focusing on their genetic potential and practical applications.

Auxotrophs

Nutritional mutants in bacteria used to study one gene based on its inability to utilize or produce a particular nutrient.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence which can lead to alterations in phenotype or growth patterns.

Phenotypic Screening

A method of detecting mutants by observing growth on duplicate plates with differing nutrient availability.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sites and facilitate the manipulation of DNA fragments.

Vectors

Molecules used to carry DNA into host cells during the process of cloning.

Cloning

The process of creating multiple copies of a specific piece of DNA.

Conjugation

A process of genetic transfer in bacteria through direct contact, often utilizing a sex pilus.

Transformation

The introduction of extracellular DNA into a bacterial cell without direct contact.

Hfr Strain

A strain of bacteria with a high frequency of recombination, characterized by the ability to transfer chromosomal DNA during conjugation.

Lac Operon

A classic example of an operon in E. coli that regulates the metabolism of lactose through negative and positive control mechanisms.

Regulatory RNAs

Non-coding RNAs that play a role in controlling gene expression at various points.

Riboswitches

Regulatory elements that bind to RNA and alter its shape, affecting transcription or translation.

Allosteric Inhibition

The alteration of an enzyme's activity due to the binding of an inhibitor at a site other than the active site.

Diauxic Growth

The phenomenon where an organism preferentially consumes one carbon source (like glucose) before another (like lactose).

Genome Sequencing

The process of determining the complete nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.