Microbial Genetics: Plasmids and Antibiotic Resistance

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA particles in bacteria.

R Plasmids

Resistance plasmids coding for antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Genes coding for enzymes that degrade antibiotics.

Penicillinase

Enzyme that provides resistance to penicillin.

R+ Bacterial Cells

Bacteria with resistance plasmids, like R plasmids.

R100 Plasmid

Plasmid transferable between E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella.

Dissimilation Plasmids

Plasmids coding for enzymes that degrade petroleum.

Bioremediation

Use of microorganisms to degrade environmental pollutants.

Bacteriocin Plasmids

Plasmids coding for toxins against specific bacteria.

Nisin

Bacteriocin from Lactococcus lactis preventing Clostridium germination.

Transposons

DNA segments that can move within the genome.

Jumping Genes

Another term for transposons due to their mobility.

Transposase

Enzyme facilitating the movement of transposons.

Transposition

Cutting and resealing of DNA by transposase.

Insertion Sequences

Simplest transposons containing transposase gene.

Inverted Repeat Sequences

Sequences flanking transposase gene for recognition.

Complex Transposons

Transposons carrying additional genetic material.

Tn5

Complex transposon with kanamycin resistance gene.

Antibiotic Resistance Transfer

Movement of resistance genes between plasmids and chromosomes.