Functions of Plasmids

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the functions of plasmids?

  • Catalyzing the breakdown of complex molecules
  • Facilitating the synthesis of proteins
  • Regulating cell division
  • Producing bactericidal substances active against other strains (correct)

What can occur when transposons insert themselves within genes of chromosomes?

  • Activation of gene expression
  • Silencing of gene expression
  • Enhancement of gene expression
  • Inactivation of gene expression (correct)

What is the function of the gene codes in insertion sequences (IS)?

  • Recognition sites and enzyme transposase (correct)
  • Gene expression and regulation
  • DNA repair and replication
  • Antibiotic resistance and toxin production

How do nonconjugative plasmids transfer?

<p>Through inserting themselves into a conjugative plasmid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dissimilation plasmids?

<p>Coding for enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of unusual sugars and hydrocarbons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of transposons?

<p>They can move from one region of a DNA molecule to another (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of transposon insertion?

<p>Inactivation of a gene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be coded by more complex transposons?

<p>Toxins, antibiotic resistance, and other genes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a prophage detaching from a lysogenized bacterial cell?

<p>It takes a piece of chromosomal DNA with it to another bacterial cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between generalized transduction and specialized transduction?

<p>The regions of the chromosome transduced (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the F factor in a conjugative plasmid?

<p>It codes for sex pilus formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the r-determinant in an R factor?

<p>It codes for the production of enzymes that inactivate antibiotics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of widespread use of antibiotics in the presence of R factors?

<p>The development of new antibiotic-resistant strains (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of transducing particles in generalized transduction?

<p>They carry only chromosomal DNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of R factors in bacteria?

<p>To confer antibiotic resistance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of transduction that involves the transfer of specific regions of the chromosome near the attachment site?

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

What is the primary mechanism by which conjugation occurs between bacterial cells?

<p>Through direct cell-to-cell contact mediated by pili or sticky molecules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the F factor in E. coli?

<p>To facilitate conjugation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of conjugation between an Hfr cell and an F- cell?

<p>The F- cell acquires new versions of chromosomal genes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of transduction?

<p>The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by means of a bacteriophage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle of bacteriophage multiplication?

<p>The lytic cycle involves the release of phage particles, while the lysogenic cycle involves the integration of phage DNA into the host genome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of transduction that occurs when a bacteriophage accidentally picks up a piece of bacterial DNA and injects it into another bacterium?

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

What is the primary function of plasmids?

<p>To provide antibiotic resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process by which bacterial cells can acquire new genes and thereby become resistant to antibiotics?

<p>Horizontal gene transfer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Plasmid Functions

  • Virulence: code for exotoxins, adhesion or invasion factors, making bacteria harmless without these plasmids
  • Bacteriocin production: produce bactericidal substances active against other strains, used as food preservatives
  • Dissimilation plasmids: code for enzymes that catalyze the catabolism of unusual sugars and hydrocarbons, allowing bacteria like Pseudomonas to survive in challenging environments

Transposons

  • Small segments of DNA (700-40,000 bp) that can move from one region of a DNA molecule to another
  • Can insert themselves within genes of chromosomes, inactivating them
  • Often occur randomly, infrequently (once every 10^5 - 10^7 generations)
  • Simplest transposon: insertion sequences (IS), containing a gene that codes for recognition sites and an enzyme transposase that catalyzes the cutting and resealing of DNA
  • More complex transposons: contain other genes, such as toxins and antibiotic resistance

Transduction

  • Generalized transduction: all regions of the chromosome are transduced, only chromosomal DNA (no phage DNA) in transducing particles
  • Specialized transduction: only specific regions of the chromosome located near the attachment site are transduced, transducing particles carry both chromosomal DNA and phage DNA

Conjugation

  • Transfer of DNA between bacterial cells mediated by plasmids
  • Requires direct cell-to-cell contact and conjugating cells must be of opposite "mating" types
  • In E. coli, the F factor (fertility factor) was the first observed to transfer plasmid during conjugation
  • Conjugation can lead to the transfer of chromosomes, allowing F- cells to acquire new versions of chromosomal genes

Gene Transfer

  • Types: transformation, conjugation, and transduction

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