Genetic Identification of Bacteria Flashcards

Study Notes

16S rRNA

16S rRNA is a component of the 30S small subunit of prokaryotic ribosomes.
Functions as a ribonucleotide that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
Essential for classifying and identifying prokaryotic organisms based on evolutionary relationships.

Utility of 16S rRNA

Highly conserved across distantly related organisms, making it reliable for phylogenetic studies.
Contains hypervariable regions, allowing differentiation between species.
Key for identifying both clinical and environmental bacteria, facilitating the study of non-culturable organisms and medically relevant bacteria.
Supports the development of automated identification systems and databases.

Advantages of 16S rRNA Sequencing

Universal presence in all bacterial species enhances its applicability in various studies.
Resistant to the effects of horizontal gene transfer, ensuring stability in lineage studies.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A laboratory technique designed to amplify specific DNA segments, enabling extensive genetic analysis.

BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool)

Software used for locating regions of similarity between biological sequences, aiding in sequence alignment and comparison.

DNA/RNA Sequencing

Encompasses various methods to determine the order of nucleotides, crucial for understanding genetic information.

MALDI Spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, valuable for identifying microorganisms in clinical diagnostics.

Genome

Refers to the complete set of genetic material in an organism, consisting of DNA or RNA in the case of RNA viruses.

Phenotypic Testing

Methods that assess specific enzyme activity or metabolic functions, widely used for identifying bacteria in educational and clinical settings.

Drug Resistance

The capability of bacteria and microorganisms to survive exposure to drugs that were previously effective against them, posing challenges in treatment regimens.

Mass Spectrometry

A critical tool in protein study, used to identify amino acid sequences and analyze protein structures in detail.

Description

Explore the key concepts of genetic identification of bacteria with a focus on 16S rRNA. This quiz provides concise definitions and insights into the significance of ribosomal RNA in prokaryotic ribosomes. Test your understanding and deepen your knowledge of microbial genetics.