Bacterial Genetics & Genetic Exchange and Recombination

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to bacterial genetics, genetic exchange, and the processes involved in transcription, translation, and genetic engineering.

Genetics

The study of inheritance (heredity) of living things.

Genome

The sum total of genetic material in an organism.

Chromosome

A DNA structure that carries genetic information.

Gene

The fundamental unit of heredity responsible for a given trait in an organism.

Genotype

The sum of all types of genes; the genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The expression of genotype that creates observable traits.

DNA Replication

The process of duplicating DNA to produce identical daughter molecules.

DNA polymerase III

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands using parental DNA as a template.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from an mRNA template.

Lactose Operon

A model for inducible gene regulation in bacteria, regulating lactose metabolism.

Conjugation

A mode of genetic exchange requiring direct cell-to-cell contact to transfer DNA.

Transformation

The uptake and incorporation of naked DNA from the environment by a competent cell.

Transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage.

Plasmid

A small, extrachromosomal DNA molecule that replicates independently of chromosomal DNA.

Mutations

Changes to the nucleotide sequence in the genome that can lead to phenotypic changes.

Transposable Elements

Segments of DNA that can move or 'jump' to different positions within the genome.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method to amplify DNA, rapidly increasing the amount of DNA in a sample.

Restriction Endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, useful in genetic engineering.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique for separating DNA fragments based on their size.

Recombinant DNA Technology

The process of combining DNA from different organisms to create new genetic combinations.