Lactose Operon and Gene Regulation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the lactose operon, gene regulation, and various genetic transfer mechanisms in bacteria.

Lactose operon

A set of genes in bacteria responsible for the import and degradation of lactose.

Repressor

A protein that binds to the operator site of the lactose operon, preventing gene transcription when lactose is absent.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A signaling molecule that indicates low glucose levels, promoting the expression of lactose degrading enzymes.

CATabolic activator protein (CAP)

A protein that binds to the promoter region of the lactose operon when cAMP is present, enhancing transcription.

Gene regulation

The mechanisms used by cells to increase or decrease the production of specific gene products (proteins).

Transformation

The process by which a cell takes up foreign DNA from its environment.

Transduction

The process of genetic transfer between bacteria via viruses (bacteriophages).

Conjugation

The transfer of genetic material between bacteria through direct contact via a pilus.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule independent of chromosomal DNA, often carrying genes for antibiotic resistance.

Transposon

A mobile genetic element that can change its position within the genome, potentially disrupting genes.

Point mutation

A change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence, which can be silent, missense, or nonsense.

Missense mutation

A type of mutation that causes a different amino acid to be incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that introduces a premature stop codon, leading to truncated proteins.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation that results from insertions or deletions and alters the reading frame of the gene.