BISC 300 Quinary Chapter `11

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)

Non-genealogical transfer of genetic material between non-offspring bacterial cells.

Transformation

Direct uptake and integration of free exogenous naked DNA by competent bacterial cells.

Competence

Physiological state enabling a bacterium to transport extracellular DNA across its membrane.

Generalized Transduction

Accidental packaging of random bacterial chromosome fragments into phage capsids during the lytic cycle.

Specialized Transduction

Transfer of specific host genes adjacent to an integrated prophage following imprecise excision during lysogenic induction.

Prophage

Dormant bacteriophage genome integrated directly into the host bacterial chromosome.

Lysogeny

Dormant replication cycle where a temperate phage integrates its genome as a prophage into the host chromosome.

F Plasmid

Fertility plasmid encoding the sex pilus and conjugation machinery.

F+ Cell

Donor bacterium containing an autonomous, complete F plasmid separate from the chromosome.

Hfr Cell

Donor bacterium with a complete F plasmid integrated directly into its main bacterial chromosome.

F'+ Cell

Donor bacterium carrying an imprecisely excised F plasmid that contains adjacent host chromosomal genes.

F- Cell

Recipient bacterium lacking the F plasmid and expressing surface pilus receptors.

F'- Cell

Recipient bacterium carrying an incomplete F plasmid missing essential pilus assembly genes.

Vertical Gene Transfer (VGT)

Transmission of genetic material vertically from mother cell to daughter cells during binary fission.