L14 Mutations, Transformation, and Plasmids | Study Guide

Mutation

A heritable change in genetic sequence that distinguishes between genotype and phenotype.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Missense mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the protein sequence.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that alters the reading frame of the genetic code.

Spontaneous mutation

Mutations that occur naturally due to errors in DNA replication or spontaneous alterations of bases.

Induced mutation

Mutations that result from exposure to environmental agents like UV radiation or chemicals.

Transformation

The uptake of environmental DNA by a cell, leading to genetic change.

Transduction

Phage-mediated transfer of DNA between bacterial cells.

Conjugation

Cell-to-cell transfer of DNA, typically involving a plasmid.

Plasmid

A small, independently replicating piece of DNA within a cell, often carrying accessory genes.

F factor

The fertility factor that enables bacteria to transfer genetic material during conjugation.

Homologous recombination

The exchange of genetic information between similar DNA sequences.

Avery–MacLeod–McCarty experiment

An experiment that demonstrated DNA is the genetic material through the transformation of bacteria.

Deinococcus radiodurans

An organism known for its extraordinary resistance to radiation-associated damage.

Mismatch repair

A DNA repair system that corrects errors that occur during DNA replication.

Base excision repair

A DNA repair method that removes and replaces damaged or non-canonical bases.

Nucleotide excision repair

A DNA repair system that removes bulky DNA adducts or a section of DNA containing damage.

Ti plasmid

A vector used in biotechnology that allows genes to be transferred into plant cells.

T-DNA

The transfer DNA that is integrated into the plant genome during Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection.

Competence

The ability of a bacterial cell to take up extracellular DNA.

Double-crossover replacement

A form of homologous recombination where two segments of DNA exchange places.