Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Viruses

Flashcards covering prokaryotic cell structure, bacterial DNA transfer, virus structure, and bacteriophages.

Nucleoid Region

Region in a prokaryotic cell containing DNA; contains DNA and one circular chromosome.

Plasmid

Small, circular DNA molecule in bacteria, separate from the chromosome.

Transformation

One method of bacterial DNA transfer; genetic material is acquired from the environment.

Transduction

One method of bacterial DNA transfer; DNA is transferred by a virus.

Conjugation

One method of bacterial DNA transfer; direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells.

Viral Genome

A virus's genetic material. Either DNA or RNA.

Capsid

The protein coat surrounding the viral genome.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria; also known as a phage.

Lytic Cycle

One mode of bacteriophage 'reproduction'; involves the phage injecting DNA, replicating it using the host's machinery, and then lysing the bacterial cell to release new phages.

Viruses

Cannot be treated with antibiotics, but can be prevented by vaccines

viruses are

not living, they need a host cell to reproduce; parasitic

Lysogenic cycle

Phage injects DNA into host, then have dna is injected by genetic recombination into the bacterial chromosome, phage dna is replicated along with the bacterial dna each time the bacteria prepares to divide

Vaccine

A harmless variant or derivative of a pathogen that stimulates the immune system to mount defenses against the pathogen

Rolling circle replication

A process of DNA transfer during bacterial conjugation; a strand of plasmid DNA moves through a mating bridge – a temporary cytoplasmic bridge

Phage therapy

Use phages to target specific bacteria in the body; possible alternative to antibiotics

Host range

The limited range of host cells that each type of virus can infect