Biology Chapter 16: Prokaryotic and Composite Organisms
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Questions and Answers

What was used to create the experimental environment for E. coli in the Meselson and Stahl experiment?

  • Regular hydrogen
  • Heavy nitrogen (correct)
  • Light oxygen
  • Standard carbon
  • What is the primary purpose of ultracentrifugation in the Meselson and Stahl experiment?

  • To observe the DNA structure
  • To separate the DNA based on density (correct)
  • To enhance DNA replication
  • To measure the temperature of DNA
  • What is the role of Toll-like receptors in relation to LPS?

  • They enhance the affinity of LPS to pathogens.
  • They modify the structure of Lipid A.
  • They inhibit the action of cationic antimicrobial peptides.
  • They serve to detect LPS in the system. (correct)
  • What happens to the DNA of E. coli when it is grown in normal nitrogen after being in heavy nitrogen?

    <p>The DNA becomes lighter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the glycosylation of Lipid A have on pathogens?

    <p>It promotes their proliferation by making them undetectable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about ribosomes is true?

    <p>Ribosomes are targeted by several antibiotics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a sense codon do in the context of gene expression?

    <p>It signals the start of protein translation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the enzyme FlmK?

    <p>It adds a glucose molecule to Lipid A to alter its affinity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMP)?

    <p>They disrupt the prokaryotic cell membrane. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which role does ribosomal RNA (rRNA) play in ribosomes?

    <p>It forms the structural component of ribosomes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about gene expression in terms of its processes?

    <p>It involves transcription, translation, and regulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme is involved in the dephosphorylation of Lipid A?

    <p>LpxE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can Gram-negative bacteria develop resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides?

    <p>By modifying the cell membrane structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Meselson and Stahl experiment demonstrate about DNA replication?

    <p>DNA replication is semi-conservative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the expression of a gene after horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

    <p>The gene is expressed from the plasmid despite locus disruption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the enzyme AlmG play in relation to Lipid A?

    <p>It adds a glycine to Lipid A enhancing its immune evasion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What components make up the large subunit of a prokaryotic ribosome?

    <p>31 proteins, 55 rRNA, and 23S RNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do flavonoids play in nodule development for mutualistic relationships?

    <p>They signal Rhizobia to activate Nod factor production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the small subunit of a prokaryotic ribosome?

    <p>It contains 21 proteins and 165 rRNA of 1540 nucleotides. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of RNA base pairing within a ribosome, which statement is accurate?

    <p>16S rRNA has regions of stems and loops. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature distinguishes heterocysts in cyanobacteria?

    <p>They have thick walls to keep oxygen out. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required as an essential ingredient for PCR?

    <p>Primers, polymerase, nucleotides, and Mg-containing buffer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does nitrogenase function in a mutualistic relationship between plants and bacteria?

    <p>It helps in the fixation of nitrogen, which is energy-intensive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key factor in reclassifying cyanobacteria from algae to bacteria?

    <p>Their cellular structure, showing prokaryotic characteristics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the crossing of P2 +/- female and P2 +/- male mice?

    <p>The expected results are approximately 1 +/+; 2 +/-; 1 -/- pups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the peptidoglycan layer play in Gram positive bacteria?

    <p>It provides mechanical strength to withstand osmotic pressure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Nod factors released from Rhizobia?

    <p>To bind to receptors to initiate plant nodule formation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of intermolecular base pairing in DNA?

    <p>It involves complementary bases linking in opposite directions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining step that distinguishes Gram positive from Gram negative bacteria?

    <p>The decolorization step in the staining process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about cyanobacteria?

    <p>They possess unique organelles that separate oxygen and nitrogen-fixing processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does active transport differ from passive transport across membranes?

    <p>Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient; passive transport moves them down. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might RNA have both intramolecular and trans molecular base pairing?

    <p>To allow for configuration and regulation of RNA's structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does magnesium play in PCR?

    <p>It is an essential metal cofactor required for the reaction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to E. coli in high osmotic environments if penicillin is present?

    <p>The peptidoglycan layer is hindered, leading to the bursting of the cell. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In mutualistic interactions, what signal does NodD respond to?

    <p>The presence of flavonoids released by the plant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of transport moves substances downhill along their concentration gradient?

    <p>Facilitated diffusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the presence of nitrogen-fixing organelles in marine algae indicate?

    <p>A unique evolutionary adaptation for nutrient acquisition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells regarding their cell wall?

    <p>They can regulate the synthesis and degradation of their peptidoglycan layer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can animal cells and eukaryotic microbes do that prokaryotic cells cannot?

    <p>Engage in phagocytosis due to their membrane structures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which energy source is most commonly used in active transport mechanisms?

    <p>ATP. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature allows Gram positive bacteria to stain differently compared to Gram negative bacteria?

    <p>Thick peptidoglycan layer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs if a bacterial cell's peptidoglycan layer is compromised?

    <p>It may experience internal osmotic pressure leading to cell lysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phylogenetic group is prominent in newborns?

    <p>Actinobacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does CFU stand for in microbial analysis?

    <p>Colony forming unit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method focuses on analyzing the genes present in a microbial sample without culturing?

    <p>Culture independent sample (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In microbial analysis, what does it indicate if 62% of identified species are unknown?

    <p>This indicates a lack of data on the samples. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major characteristic of obligate anaerobes found in the gut?

    <p>They are harmed by oxygen and do not utilize it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is most significant in determining the predominance of symbionts in the gut?

    <p>Respiratory electron acceptors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major limitation of culture-dependent methods for microbial analysis?

    <p>They fail to identify non-culturable microbes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the microbial species identified in studies was unknown as of 2005?

    <p>62% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about facultative anaerobes is correct?

    <p>They can utilize oxygen or nitrate depending on availability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of using massively parallel sequencing techniques in microbial studies?

    <p>It enables the sequencing of all available genomes in a sample. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon indicates that the bacterial cytoplasm can behave differently depending on the metabolic activity of the cell?

    <p>Fluorescence movement varies in growing populations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the differences observed in fluorescence behavior in relation to bacterial growth conditions?

    <p>Non-growing bacteria maintain unchanged fluorescence signal across time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one method used to study fluorescence movement in bacteria?

    <p>Growing E. coli transformed with a plasmid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of long RNA molecules contributes to the viscosity of the cytosol?

    <p>They exhibit intramolecular base pairing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the study of bacterial cytoplasm, what was a significant observable difference between growing and disrupted bacterial populations?

    <p>Growing cells showed a dynamic fluorescence pattern. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the movement of fluorescence in growing E. coli suggest about bacterial cytoplasm?

    <p>It has varied physical properties based on metabolic state. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the properties of bacterial cytoplasm is correct?

    <p>Cytoplasmic properties can differ significantly between different bacterial strains. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does metabolic activity play in the behavior of bacterial cytoplasm?

    <p>It enhances the fluidity and movement within the cytoplasm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the sensor kinase play in the signaling pathway?

    <p>It phosphorylates a histamine in response to external signals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does magnesium affect the signaling pathway in bacterial cells?

    <p>Magnesium acts as a repressor, keeping the receptor kinase inactive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the response regulator in the signaling pathway?

    <p>It serves as a substrate for kinase and directly activates genes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Gram-negative bacteria, what can cause the sensor kinase to expose its hydrophobic interior?

    <p>Misfolded proteins in the environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pathway when magnesium levels drop in bacterial cells?

    <p>The pathway gets activated due to derepression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the nature of the signaling pathway discussed?

    <p>It is reversible and can adapt to changing conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the target gene associated with the signaling pathway in Gram-negative bacteria?

    <p>An enzyme for lysine modification on LPS. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the activation of a response regulator usually involve?

    <p>Directly regulating transcription of target genes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the large subunit of a prokaryotic ribosome?

    <p>31 proteins + 55 rRNA + 23S RNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ribosomal RNA in prokaryotic ribosomes does not engage in base pairing due to loops?

    <p>16S rRNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is not essential for the PCR process?

    <p>Ethidium bromide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a P2 +/- female crossed with a P2 +/- male mouse, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of offspring?

    <p>1:2:1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of magnesium in PCR?

    <p>Serves as a cofactor for polymerase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic distinguishes intramolecular base pairing in RNA?

    <p>Base pairing occurs within the same molecule (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of genetic analysis is performed using PCR on tail snips of mice?

    <p>Genotyping (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does intermolecular base pairing in DNA differ from intramolecular pairing in RNA?

    <p>Involves complementary strands binding in opposite directions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the PCR process?

    <p>Heating to 95 degrees Celsius for 25 seconds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During PCR, what happens during the annealing step?

    <p>Primers hybridize to the DNA template (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What temperature is used to polymerize DNA during PCR?

    <p>72 degrees Celsius (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In electrophoresis, which statement correctly describes the behavior of DNA fragments?

    <p>Smaller fragments migrate faster towards the positive end (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using primers in PCR?

    <p>To hybridize at specific DNA sequences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the characteristic fingerprint obtained from 16S rRNA analysis indicate?

    <p>The genetic similarity between organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of digesting 16S rRNA with ribonuclease T1?

    <p>To separate the resulting digestion products (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are primers designed to point towards each other in PCR?

    <p>To flank the target sequence effectively (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event allowed molecular oxygen to begin accumulating in the atmosphere?

    <p>The splitting of water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which photosystem is primarily responsible for the splitting of water?

    <p>Photosystem 2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the consequence of rising oxygen levels for life forms at that time?

    <p>The extinction of many anaerobic organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of water oxidation, what is meant by 'grabbing the low energy electron'?

    <p>Removing electrons from water molecules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do chloroplasts play in oxygenic phototrophy?

    <p>They split water to release energy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process occurs at the end of the mitochondrial respiratory chain?

    <p>Formation of water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is generated as reducing power during photosynthesis?

    <p>NADPH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reflects the growth of oxygen levels over time in Earth's history?

    <p>Evolution of aerobic respiration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes meiosis in eukaryotes from the reproductive processes in prokaryotes?

    <p>Only eukaryotes undergo meiosis, while prokaryotes do not. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is cytoplasmic inheritance considered non-mendelian?

    <p>Cytoplasmic genetic material can result in a phenotype not following a simple ratio. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main hypothesis proposed by Constantin Merezhkowsky regarding chloroplasts?

    <p>Chloroplasts originated from bacterial ancestors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What discovery did Ivan Wallin contribute that was based on Merezhkowsky's findings?

    <p>Chloroplasts have two membranes, supporting endosymbiotic theory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of evidence did Merezhkowsky rely on to support his hypothesis about chloroplasts?

    <p>Microscopy observations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the nature of cytoplasmic inheritance?

    <p>The phenotypes may show variability not explained by nuclear inheritance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What time period was Ivan Wallin associated with regarding his studies on chloroplasts?

    <p>Early 20th century. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do chloroplasts play in plant cells based on their origin?

    <p>They are involved in photosynthesis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cell Envelope Function

    The cell envelope's primary function is as a permeability barrier, preventing unwanted substances from entering or leaving the cell.

    Passive Transport

    The movement of molecules across a membrane from a high to low concentration, without energy input.

    Active Transport

    The movement of molecules across a membrane from a low to high concentration, requiring energy input.

    Gram Stain Significance

    The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on their cell wall structure, specifically the peptidoglycan layer.

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    Peptidoglycan Function

    Peptidoglycan is a structural component that provides strength to the bacterial cell wall, counteracting internal osmotic pressure.

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    Gram-Positive Bacteria

    Gram-positive bacteria possess a thick peptidoglycan layer, which retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining procedure.

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    Gram-Negative Bacteria

    Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer, which does not retain the crystal violet stain.

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    Osmotic Pressure

    The pressure difference between the internal and external environment of a cell, which can lead to cell lysis (bursting) if uncontrolled.

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    Phagocytosis

    The process where a cell engulfs other cells or materials.

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    Prokaryotic Cell Wall

    Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, have rigid cell walls that prevent phagocytosis.

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    LPS Remodeling

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can adapt to changing environments by modifying its structure.

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    FlmK Enzyme

    An enzyme that adds glucose to Lipid A, reducing its affinity to toll-like receptors.

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    Toll-like Receptors

    Immune system components that recognize LPS, triggering an immune response.

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    Lipid A

    The core component of LPS, providing a foundation for modification.

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    LpxE Enzyme

    An enzyme that dephosphorylates Lipid A, making pathogens less detectable.

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    CAMP

    Cationic antimicrobial peptides that disrupt prokaryotic cell membranes.

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    Horizontal Gene Transfer

    The transfer of genetic material between organisms, potentially restoring a disrupted cellular function.

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    AlmG Enzyme

    Enzyme adding glycine to lipid A, potentially impacting resistance to CAMP.

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    Meselson-Stahl Experiment

    A classic experiment demonstrating that DNA replication is semi-conservative. It used heavy nitrogen (N15) to label DNA, then tracked the distribution of labeled DNA during replication in normal nitrogen (N14).

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    Semi-Conservative Replication

    DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. This preserves the information of the original DNA molecule.

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    Ultracentrifugation

    A technique that separates molecules based on their density by spinning them at high speeds. Heavier molecules settle at the bottom of the centrifuge tube.

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    Sense Codon

    A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that codes for an amino acid. It directly specifies which amino acid should be incorporated into a protein.

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    Start Codon

    A special sense codon (AUG) that initiates protein synthesis. It signals the ribosome where to start reading the mRNA sequence.

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    Ribosome

    A cellular machine that converts the genetic code in mRNA into a protein sequence. It's composed of rRNA and protein.

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    rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

    A type of RNA that forms part of the ribosome structure. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by interacting with both mRNA and tRNA.

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    Antibiotic Targets

    Some antibiotics work by targeting the ribosome, interfering with protein synthesis in bacteria. This disables bacterial growth.

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    Prokaryotic Ribosome Subunits

    Prokaryotic ribosomes are composed of two subunits: a large subunit (31 proteins + 55 rRNA + 23S RNA) and a small subunit (21 proteins + 165 rRNA).

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    Mutualism: Plant-Bacteria Symbiosis

    A relationship where both the plant and bacteria benefit. The plant provides nutrients for bacteria, and bacteria fix nitrogen for the plant.

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    Nodule Formation

    The process of bacteria colonizing plant roots, creating specialized structures called nodules where nitrogen fixation takes place.

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    Intramolecular Base Pairing in RNA

    Intramolecular base pairing occurs within a single RNA molecule, where complementary bases pair with each other, forming loops and stems.

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    What are loops in RNA?

    Loops in RNA are regions where the RNA sequence does not have complementary base pairing, creating a bulge or loop in the molecule.

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    Flavonoids Role

    Plant-released chemicals that act as signals to attract specific bacteria, initiating the nodule formation process.

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    What is anti-polarity in DNA?

    Anti-polarity in DNA refers to the opposite orientation of the two DNA strands, where one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

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    Nod Factor

    A signaling molecule produced by bacteria that triggers plant root cell development and nodule formation.

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    Nitrogenase Enzyme

    A complex enzyme found in some bacteria that converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia, a usable form for plants.

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    What is PCR?

    PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify DNA, creating millions of copies of a specific DNA region.

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    Cyanobacteria: Nitrogen Fixation

    These bacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen, but they must create specialized environments to keep oxygen levels low.

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    What are the essential ingredients for PCR?

    Essential ingredients for PCR include template DNA, primers, polymerase, nucleotides, and a magnesium-containing buffer.

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    Heterocysts: Oxygen-Free Zones

    Specialized cells formed by cyanobacteria to isolate nitrogen fixation from oxygen, ensuring efficient conversion.

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    What is a knockout mouse?

    A knockout mouse is a genetically modified mouse where a specific gene has been removed or 'knocked out.'

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    Cyanobacteria: Evolutionary Significance

    These bacteria were initially mistaken for algae but are classified as bacteria. They play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation and have evolved to compartmentalize this process within their cells.

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    How is genotype determined in a knockout mouse?

    Genotype is determined by analyzing DNA isolated from a tail snip using PCR and specific primers.

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    Culture Independent Sample

    A method of studying microbial communities without growing them in a lab. It involves extracting DNA directly from the environment and sequencing it to identify the organisms present.

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    16S rRNA Gene

    A specific gene found in most bacteria, used to identify and classify different species. It has highly conserved regions, useful for comparing distant relatives, and variable regions, helping distinguish closely related species.

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    Phylotype

    A group of organisms that share a common ancestor, based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence, even if their species identity is unknown.

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    Obligate Anaerobes

    Bacteria that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and are harmed by it. They use other molecules for energy instead.

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    Facultative Anaerobes

    Bacteria that can survive both with and without oxygen. They use oxygen if available, but can switch to other energy sources in its absence.

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    Respiratory Electron Acceptors

    Molecules used by bacteria to accept electrons during respiration, allowing them to produce energy. Some common examples include oxygen (O2) and nitrate (NO3-).

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    Gut Microbiota Complexity

    The human gut harbors a vast and diverse community of microbes, with numerous species and variations even between individuals.

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    Gut Microbiota Novelty

    A significant portion of the bacteria found in the human gut are still unknown, emphasizing the vast knowledge gap in this field.

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    Variation Between Individuals

    Each person has a unique gut microbiome, reflecting a personalized ecosystem shaped by genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

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    Healthy Gut

    Characterized by a low oxygen environment and a balanced community of microbes, including beneficial symbiotes.

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    Cytoplasm's Complexity

    Cytoplasm in prokaryotes is not just a simple, aqueous solution. It has distinct regions with varying properties, even without membranes like in eukaryotes.

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    Bacterial Cytoplasm: Glass-like and Fluid

    The bacterial cytoplasm acts like a viscous, glass-like substance that can be fluidized by metabolic activity. This means the cytoplasm can change its consistency based on the cell's activity.

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    Fluorescence Tracking in Bacteria

    Fluorescent proteins can be used to track the movement of molecules within bacteria. In growing bacteria, the fluorescence moves around, while in non-growing or metabolically impaired bacteria, it remains stationary.

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    Eukaryotic Nucleus: Regions with Varying Properties

    Like the bacterial cytoplasm, the eukaryotic nucleus also has different regions with distinct physical properties, influencing how molecules move and interact.

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    Viscosity of Cytoplasm: Long RNA molecules

    Long RNA molecules, through intramolecular base pairing, can create polymers that make the cytoplasm more viscous.

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    Fluorescent Protein as a Tool

    Scientists use fluorescent proteins to visualize and study the internal dynamics of cells, tracking the movement of molecules and gaining insights into cellular processes.

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    Understanding Cellular Dynamics: Future Research

    Ongoing research aims to understand how different regions in the cytoplasm and nucleus develop their unique physical properties and how these properties affect the cell's overall function.

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    Signal Transduction in Prokaryotes

    A process where a signal is detected outside the cell and transmitted through the membrane to activate a response inside the cell. In prokaryotes, it's simpler compared to eukaryotes and often involves a sensor kinase and a response regulator.

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    Sensor Kinase

    A protein that senses an external signal and then activates a response regulator by adding a phosphate group (phosphorylation).

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    Response Regulator

    A protein activated by phosphorylation by a sensor kinase. It acts as a transcription factor, directly binding to DNA to activate or repress gene expression.

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    Magnesium's Role in Signaling

    Magnesium acts as a repressor of the signal transduction pathway. When magnesium levels are high, the sensor kinase is inactive. When magnesium levels drop, the pathway activates.

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    Target Gene

    A gene that is directly controlled by the response regulator. Its expression is either increased or decreased in response to the signal.

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    Misfolded Proteins and Signaling

    Gram-negative bacteria have a signaling pathway sensitive to misfolded proteins. The sensor kinase detects these proteins and activates a target gene that codes for a protease. This protease degrades the misfolded proteins.

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    Protease Function

    An enzyme that breaks down proteins. In the context of misfolded proteins, it acts as a quality control mechanism, removing damaged proteins and preventing them from disrupting cellular function.

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    Gram-Negative Bacteria and Signaling

    Gram-negative bacteria have a unique signaling pathway to detect misfolded proteins. This pathway is vital for maintaining cellular health and dealing with stress.

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    Oxygenic Phototroph

    An organism, like plants and certain bacteria, that uses light energy to split water and produce oxygen as a byproduct.

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    Z Diagram

    A visual representation of the electron flow during photosynthesis, depicting the energy levels of electrons in chloroplasts.

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    Photosystem 2

    A complex of proteins and pigments in chloroplasts where water splitting occurs, releasing oxygen and electrons.

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    Photosystem 1

    A protein complex in chloroplasts where energized electrons are further boosted to create a high-energy electron carrier.

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    Reducing Power

    The ability of a molecule, like NADH, to transfer electrons, driving metabolic reactions in cells.

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    Respiratory Chain

    A series of protein complexes in mitochondria that transfer electrons to oxygen, generating energy in the form of ATP.

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    Water Oxidation

    The process of removing electrons from water molecules, generating oxygen and releasing energy.

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    Oxygen Catastrophe

    The sudden increase in atmospheric oxygen levels billions of years ago, extremely harmful to most life forms at the time.

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    Meiosis in Prokaryotes?

    Prokaryotes do not undergo meiosis. This is a fundamental difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

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    Cytoplasmic Inheritance: Non-Mendelian?

    Cytoplasmic inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material outside the nucleus, often within organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts. This does not follow Mendelian patterns because it's not based on chromosomes.

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    Constantin Merezhkowsky's Idea

    Merezhkowsky proposed that chloroplasts originated from bacteria. This idea was based on microscopy observations and the chloroplast's role in photosynthesis.

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    Ivan Wallin: Endosymbiosis

    Wallin expanded on Merezhkowsky's idea, noting the double membrane structure of chloroplasts. He coined the term 'endosymbiosis' for this theory.

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    What is the basis of cytoplasmic inheritance?

    Cytoplasmic inheritance is non-Mendelian because genetic material in organelles doesn't follow the usual inheritance patterns seen in chromosomes.

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    What is the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

    A key difference is the presence of meiosis in eukaryotes. Prokaryotes lack this process for cell division and reproduction.

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    What is endosymbiosis?

    The theory explaining how certain organelles, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by eukaryotic cells.

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    What is the evidence for the bacterial origin of chloroplasts?

    The presence of a double membrane in chloroplasts, similar to bacterial cells, and their capability to carry out photosynthesis provide strong evidence for their bacterial origin.

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    PCR Steps

    PCR involves three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and elongation. Denaturation separates DNA strands at high temperature. Annealing allows primers to bind to the target sequence. Elongation extends the primers using polymerase, creating copies of the target DNA.

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    Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

    Agarose gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. DNA fragments are loaded into wells in a gel that is submerged in a buffer solution. An electric current is applied, causing DNA fragments to migrate towards the positive electrode. Smaller fragments move faster through the gel.

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    Woese's 16S rRNA Analysis

    Woese's technique for comparing 16S rRNA sequences involves isolating ribosomes, digesting the 16S rRNA, separating the fragments by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and creating a distinctive fingerprint of the sequence.

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    What is 16S rRNA?

    The 16S rRNA gene is a genetic sequence present in most bacteria. It has conserved regions useful for comparing distant relatives and variable regions for distinguishing closely related species.

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    What are Phylotypes?

    Phylotypes are groups of bacteria categorized based on their similar 16S rRNA sequences, even if their exact species identity is unknown.

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    What is signal transduction in prokaryotes?

    Signal transduction in prokaryotes is a process where a signal outside the cell triggers a response inside the cell. It involves a sensor kinase that detects the signal and a response regulator that activates gene expression.

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    What is the Oxygen Catastrophe?

    The Oxygen Catastrophe describes the sudden increase in atmospheric oxygen levels billions of years ago, which was toxic to many early life forms and led to major evolutionary changes.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction Chapter 16

    • Composite organisms are a combination of prokaryotic cells, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, that are integral to the organism's survival.
    • Plants are considered more composite than other organisms due to their ability to survive independently of external factors.
    • Horizontal gene transfer is the process by which genetic material is exchanged between organisms.
    • Some bacteria are invisible to the naked eye, but can be seen with a microscope.
    • The idea that bacteria grows on potatoes was inaccurately attributed to Robert Hooke instead of the correct scientist.
    • Microbes have stable identities and maintain similarities in various environments, including plants and animals.

    II. Lecture ~ Basic Structures and Processes in Prokaryotic Cells

    • Prokaryotic cells have regions of the cytoplasm not bounded by membranes, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells.
    • The bacterial cytoplasm has properties that differ, often due to metabolic activity.
    • Examples of methods to study bacteria include growing and observing the expression of fluorescent proteins.
    • The bacterial cell envelope is crucial for its basic structural and functional properties.
    • The function of peptidoglycans in bacteria is to provide structural support by resisting osmotic pressure.
    • Gram-negative bacterial cell walls differ from Gram-positive cells due to the presence of an outer membrane.
    • The outer membrane is associated with the peptidoglycan layer, providing a barrier against various substances.
    • The Gram stain is a technique to differentiate Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, owing to differences in peptidoglycan composition.

    III. Lecture ~ August 26

    • Outside-in signaling: Prokaryotic cells have fewer complex signaling pathways compared to eukaryotic cells.
    • Sensor kinases detect external signals and phosphorylate response regulators.
    • Response regulators affect gene expression or other cellular processes, enabling the cell to adjust to its environment.
    • Signaling transduction across membranes is crucial for all life.
    • The cell membrane is vital in prokaryotic signaling.

    IV. Lecture August 28 ~ Genomes

    • Genomes: A database of genes is maintained, and the standard sense codons are ‘TAA’ and ‘ATG’.
    • The 16S rRNA component of the ribosome is used to study phylogenetic relationships between organisms.

    V. September 4

    • Woese developed a revolutionary experimental approach to study microbes by labeling RNA and DNA to track interactions and evolutionary connections.
    • Ribosomes are crucial components for microbial processes.
    • Enzymes such as endonucleases and exonucleases play specific roles in isolating and studying various RNA components.

    VI. September 9

    • RNA is both an information molecule and a catalyst, but DNA is more stable and less reactive.
    • Mitochondria and ribosomes were hypothesized to have proteins and RNA originally, but now are considered mostly protein components instead.
    • Life likely evolved in an oxygen-poor environment and the development of oxygen was a significant event.

    VII. Lecture - Sept 11

    • Meiosis is not typically present in prokaryotes.
    • Cytoplasmic inheritance is not Mendelian.
    • Chloroplasts likely originated from cyanobacteria through endosymbiosis.
    • The 19th and 20th centuries saw many key discoveries in cellular biology and microbiology that continue to shape our understanding of microbial communities today.

    VIII. Lecture - Sep 16

    • Microbiota refers to the community of microorganisms.
    • Symbionts generally coexist. Pathogens cause harm.
    • Fermentation uses inorganic molecules as electron acceptors. Respiration uses organic molecules.
    • Homeostasis means the bacteria populations maintain consistent levels, with similar numbers of cells as humans present.

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    Microbiology Notes PDF

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of composite organisms and prokaryotic cells in this quiz. Learn about the significance of structures like mitochondria and chloroplasts, as well as concepts such as horizontal gene transfer. Test your knowledge on bacteria and their roles in different environments.

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