Bacterial Gene Transfer, Mutations, and Genome Evolution Part 1

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to bacterial gene transfer, mutations, and genome evolution.

Transformation

The process of importing free DNA into bacterial cells.

Competence

The ability of cells to take up free DNA from their environment.

Pilus

A structure used by bacteria for conjugation to establish contact with another cell.

Conjugation

A method of DNA transfer involving direct contact between two bacterial cells.

F plasmid

A fertility factor that enables conjugation in bacteria.

Transduction

The process in which bacteriophages carry host DNA from one cell to another.

Homologous recombination

The integration of outside DNA with a similar region in the recipient's genome.

Rolling Circle Replication

A method of DNA replication that produces multiple copies of the circular DNA molecule.

Transposons

DNA segments that can move from one location to another within a genome.

Artificial competence

Inducing cells to take in DNA through chemical treatment or electroporation.

R plasmids

Plasmids that carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Natural competence

The ability of bacteria to naturally take up DNA from their environment.

Transposition

The excision of DNA from one part of a chromosome and integration into another.

Quorum sensing

A process by which bacteria communicate and coordinate behavior based on cell density.

Transformasome

Complex in Gram-positive bacteria that facilitates DNA uptake.

Generalized transduction

A type of transduction that can transfer any gene from a donor to a recipient cell.

Specialized transduction

A type of transduction that transfers specific genes between cells.

Restriction-modification system

A bacterial defense mechanism that cleaves foreign DNA and methylates host DNA.