Wk 1.3 Bacterial Genetics and Antibiotic Resistance

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance.

Bacterial DNA

Organized into a single double stranded circular chromosome in most prokaryotes.

Replicon

The entire length of DNA that is replicated from a single origin of replication.

Gene structure

Discreet sequences of DNA that produce a single product, typically read one way.

Inducible enzyme

An enzyme whose expression is increased in response to a specific inducer, such as lactose for b-galactosidase.

Plasmids

Small double stranded circular DNA molecules that may exist independently of the host chromosome.

Conjugation

A process that requires physical contact between donor and recipient cells for genetic material transfer.

Transformation

The uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via bacteriophages.

Mutation

A permanent, heritable change in the sequence of nucleotide bases in DNA.

Point mutation

A mutation that affects a single base pair in DNA.

Silent mutation

A point mutation with no visible effect due to codon redundancy.

Missense mutation

A base substitution that changes a codon to code for a different amino acid.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that converts a sense codon into a termination codon.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation resulting from the insertion or deletion of nucleotide bases that alters the reading frame of the gene.

Antibiotic resistance mechanisms

Changes in bacteria that confer resistance, such as production of inactivating enzymes or alteration of drug binding sites.

Selective pressure

Environmental factors that favor the survival and reproduction of resistant bacteria over susceptible ones.