Bacterial Genetics II Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on bacterial genetics, specifically focusing on gene transfer mechanisms including transformation, transduction, and conjugation, as well as related genetic elements.

Transformation

Genetic transfer process by which DNA is incorporated into a recipient cell and brings about genetic change.

Transduction

Transfer of DNA from one cell to another by a bacteriophage.

Conjugation

Mechanism of genetic transfer that involves cell-to-cell contact and is typically plasmid-encoded.

Hfr Strains

Cells possessing an integrated F plasmid that allow high rates of genetic recombination.

Transposable Elements

Discrete segments of DNA that move as a unit from one location to another within other DNA molecules.

Competent Cells

Cells that are capable of taking up DNA and being transformed.

Generalized Transduction

Transduction where DNA from any portion of the host genome is packaged inside the virion.

Specialized Transduction

Transduction where DNA from a specific region of the host chromosome is integrated directly into the virus genome.

CRISPR

A prokaryotic immune system that uses sequences of foreign DNA to recognize and degrade foreign invaders.

Pilus

A structure produced only by donor cells that is essential for the process of conjugation.

RecA Protein

A protein involved in strand invasion during homologous recombination.

Endonuclease

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences.

Transposon

A larger type of transposable element capable of moving DNA between inverted repeats.

restriction enzymes

defense mechanisms of bacteria to cut foreign DNA which enters the cell

Cas protein

CRISPR associated proteins which can be attached to protospacer sequences in invading foreign DNA