Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Intracellular Pathogens

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts on the molecular genetics of bacteria, specifically focusing on intracellular pathogens and their mechanisms.

Molecular Genetics

The study of the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

Bacterial genome

The complete set of genetic material within a bacterium.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Gene regulation

The mechanisms that control the expression of genes.

Conjugation

A process of genetic transfer in which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact.

Transformation

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

Transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by a virus.

Actin-based protrusion

A method used by some bacteria to move between host cells using the host's actin filaments.

Listeriolysin O (LLO)

A pore-forming toxin secreted by Listeria monocytogenes to escape the phagosome.

Intracellular pathogen

An organism that can invade and replicate inside host cells.

Mutagenesis

The process by which the genetic information of an organism is changed in a stable manner.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, an essential process in the development and maintenance of healthy tissues.

Sporulation

The process of spore formation, particularly under stress conditions for bacteria.

Bacterial cell division

The process by which a bacterial cell divides into two new daughter cells.

Listeria monocytogenes

A gram-positive bacterium that can cause listeriosis, primarily through contaminated food.

Salmonella Typhi

A serotype of salmonella that causes typhoid fever in humans.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Chronic asymptomatic carrier

An individual who carries a pathogen without showing symptoms, potentially spreading the disease.

Typhoid Mary

The nickname given to Mary Mallon, the first identified asymptomatic carrier of Salmonella Typhi.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan cell wall and an outer membrane.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall and no outer membrane.

Toxins

Poisonous substances produced by living cells or organisms.

Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the blood.

Septicemia

A serious bloodstream infection that can lead to organ failure.

Biofilm

A structured community of bacteria encased in a protective slime layer.

Biofilm on gallstones

A potential source of chronic Salmonella Typhi infection in asymptomatic carriers.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that aid in the motility of some bacteria.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs material through its membrane.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest particles or pathogens.

Cytolysis

The dissolution or destruction of cells.

Nutrient scavenging

The process by which bacteria utilize nutrients from the host cell.

Virulence factors

Molecular tools that enable pathogens to infect hosts and evade the immune system.

Histoplasma capsulatum

A fungus that can act as an intracellular pathogen.

Leishmania donovani

A protist that can cause leishmaniasis, an intracellular infection.

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA that is separate from the chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.

Receptor mediated endocytosis

A process by which cells absorb metabolites, hormones, other proteins - and in some cases viruses - by the inward budding of the plasma membrane.

Infection pathway

The route taken by a pathogen to establish an infection.

Pore-forming cytolysins

Proteins that create pores in membranes leading to cell lysis.

RNA regulation

Control of gene expression at the level of RNA.

Heat shock response

A stress response that helps organisms survive elevated temperatures.

Nutritional niches

Specific environments within a host that offer nutrients for bacterial growth.

Immune evasion

Mechanisms used by pathogens to avoid detection and destruction by the host immune system.

Phagosome

A membrane-bound vesicle that contains engulfed material in a cell.

Phospholipid bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up cellular membranes.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies proteins and packages them for transport.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris.

Bacteriophage lambda

A model organism for studying phage biology and genetics.

Experimental approaches

Methods used to investigate hypotheses and gather data in scientific research.

Genomic approaches

Techniques used to study the complete set of DNA in an organism.

Gene transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms.

Chlamydia trachomatis

A gram-negative bacterium that can cause sexually transmitted infections.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A bacterium that causes tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease.