Bacterial Gene Transfer and Evolution

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to bacterial gene transfer and evolution.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell copies its DNA, resulting in two identical DNA molecules from one original molecule.

Semiconservative

Type of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule contains one original (parent) strand and one newly made (daughter) strand.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the bonds between base pairs.

Topoisomerase

An enzyme that relieves twisting stress in DNA as it unwinds.

Primase

An enzyme that makes short RNA primers to provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.

DNA Polymerase III

An enzyme that builds the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides in the 5′ → 3′ direction.

Lagging Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously in the opposite direction of the replication fork movement, made in small sections called Okazaki fragments.

Termination

The final stage of DNA replication when RNA primers are removed and DNA ligase seals nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone.

Transcription

The process of copying a gene in DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that binds to a DNA region called a promoter, opens the DNA, and builds an RNA strand.

Splicing

The process of removing non-coding introns from RNA.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

RNA that brings the correct amino acid to match each codon during translation.

Ribosome

The cellular structure that reads the mRNA and links amino acids together to form proteins.

Protein Folding

The process where a newly made chain of amino acids folds into its specific 3-D shape, allowing it to function.

Mutation

A change in DNA that creates genetic variation, can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors.

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)

The process by which bacteria share genes, allowing for rapid acquisition of new traits.

Conjugation

A method of gene transfer in bacteria where DNA is transferred through direct contact using a pilus.

Transposable Elements

Segments of DNA that can move from one location to another within the genome.

Integrons

Special DNA systems that can capture and store multiple gene cassettes, often leading to multidrug resistance.

Bacteriophages

Viruses that infect bacteria and can integrate their DNA into the bacterial chromosome.

Prophage

Phage DNA that has been inserted into the bacterial genome.