Genetic Identification of Bacteria Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is 16S rRNA?

16S rRNA is ribosomal RNA, specifically, it is a component of the 30S small subunit of a prokaryotic ribosome.

How and why is 16S rRNA useful?

It is a technique used for classification, identification, and determining evolutionary relatedness of organisms.

What are the advantages of using 16S rRNA sequences?

16S rRNA sequencing is affected by horizontal gene transfer.

16S rRNA is present in all bacterial species. (correct)

16S rRNA does not help in identification of non-culturable organisms.

16S rRNA is only found in some bacterial species.

What is PCR?

A laboratory technique used to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What does BLAST stand for?

Basic Local Alignment Search Tool Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA/RNA sequencing?

The process which includes any method or technology that is used to determine the order of nucleotides. Signup and view all the answers

What is MALDI spectrometry?

A powerful analytical mass spectrometry technique for the identification of microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a genome?

The all genetic material of an organism; it consists of DNA (or RNA in RNA viruses). Signup and view all the answers

What is phenotypic testing?

Methods that determine the activity of specific enzymes or metabolic functions for bacterial identification. Signup and view all the answers

What is drug resistance?

The ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to withstand a drug that once stalled or killed them. Signup and view all the answers

What is mass spectrometry?

A tool used in the study of proteins to identify amino acid sequences and determine protein structure. Signup and view all the answers

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.