Micro test 3 first quizlet

What does ESKAPE stand for?

• Enterococcus faecium

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Klebsiella pneumoniae

• Acinetobacter baumannii

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Enterobacter species

Why are ESKAPE pathogens important?

They cause most hospital-acquired infections and are highly antibiotic-resistant

What is the bacterial genome?

A single circular chromosome located in the nucleoid region.

What are plasmids?

Small, circular DNA molecules separate from the chromosome that replicate independently.

Why are plasmids important?

They often carry genes for antibiotic resistance or virulence.

How does bacterial DNA replicate?

By binary fission, starting at a single origin of replication.

What is semi-conservative replication?

Each new DNA molecule contains one old strand and one new strand.

What is transcription?

The process of copying DNA into RNA.

What enzyme is used in transcription?

RNA polymerase.

What is translation?

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

Where does translation occur?

At ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

What is gene regulation?

Controlling when and how genes are expressed.

What is an operon?

A group of genes controlled together by a single promoter.

What is the lac operon?

An inducible operon activated when lactose is present.

What is a repressible operon?

An operon that is turned off when a specific molecule is present.

What is a mutation?

A change in DNA sequence.

Types of mutations?

• Silent

• Missense

• Nonsense

• Frameshift

What causes mutations?

Errors in replication or mutagens (chemicals, radiation).

What are the three types of gene transfer?

• Transformation

• Transduction

• Conjugation

What is transformation?

Uptake of naked DNA from the environment.

What is transduction?

Transfer of DNA via bacteriophages.

What is conjugation?

DNA transfer through direct cell-to-cell contact using a pilus.

What are restriction enzymes?

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

What is gel electrophoresis?

A technique to separate DNA fragments by size.

What is PCR (polymerase chain reaction)?

A method to amplify DNA rapidly.

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA formed by combining DNA from different sources.

What is PCR (polymerase chain reaction)?

A method to amplify DNA rapidly.

Why is bacterial genetics important?

It helps us understand antibiotic resistance and disease

How do bacteria adapt quickly?

Through mutations and horizontal gene transfer.