Evolution of Microbes: Adaptation and Diversity

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What is the underlying mechanism that explains adaptation in biology?

Horizontal gene transfer

Clonal reproduction

Microbial evolution

Natural selection (correct)

What is the primary function of flagella in Pseudomonas?

To act as a 'swimming tail' (correct)

To provide structural support

To regulate gene expression

To facilitate nutrient uptake

What is the result of deleting the fleQ gene in Pseudomonas?

Unusual pattern of motility (correct)

Enhanced motility

No effect on motility

Complete loss of motility

What is the characteristic of microbial evolution that allows it to be observed in experiments?

It is a rapid process Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the origin of sex in the context of gene swapping?

Contagion theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which microbes adapt to their environment at a faster rate?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of transposon mutagenesis in Pseudomonas?

Gain of new phenotypes Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of microbes that allows them to show an astounding range of adaptations?

They are highly diverse Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which new mutations in different individuals can combine to generate diversity?

Recombination Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the evolution of antibiotic resistance in microbes?

Rapid evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism that generates diversity in microbes?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

Why do microbes adapt faster than other organisms?

Because they have a larger population size Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of flagella in Pseudomonas?

To swim through their environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of microbial evolution being fast?

It allows them to be observed in experiments Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plasmids in microbial evolution?

They act as a mechanism for horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'contagion theory'?

It explains the origin of sex Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of deleting the Delta fleQ gene in Pseudomonas?

Unusual patterns of motility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of adaptation in microbes?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of horizontal gene transfer in microbes?

It allows for the exchange of genes between different species Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of microbial evolution being rapid?

It allows for the adaptation to changing environments Signup and view all the answers