MICR3330 Lateral Gene Transfer: Transformation, Plasmids, and Conjugation

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

How are F plasmids involved in bacterial conjugation?

They are only able to exchange genetic material via transformation

They encode gene products that play a role in transferring genetic material from one bacterium to another (correct)

They are responsible for the genetic organization of the chromosome

They are only found in Hfr bacterial cells

What is the significance of Hfr bacterial cells in chromosomal mapping?

They are only involved in transformation

They cannot transfer genetic material between cells

They are used to create F plasmids

They allow the analysis of gene transfer direction and frequency (correct)

How are F primes different from F plasmids?

F primes play no role in bacterial conjugation

F primes cannot complement chromosomal mutations

F primes are only able to transfer DNA through transformation

F primes can complement chromosomal mutations and aid in gene transfer between bacteria (correct)

What is the primary function of the gene products encoded by the F plasmid in bacterial conjugation?

Facilitating the transfer of genetic material between bacteria Signup and view all the answers

How do bottlenecks impact genetic diversity in bacterial populations?

Limit genetic diversity by reducing the number of genetic variants in a population Signup and view all the answers

Why is chromosomal mapping important in understanding bacterial genetics?

To establish the order and distance between genes on a chromosome Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria requires ComQ proteins for DNA binding during transformation?

B.subtilis Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate frequency of successful transformation in cells shifted from 42°C to 37°C?

1 in 1,000 cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum size of DNA that can bind and transform cells in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

500 bp Signup and view all the answers

Which protein forms a channel across the outer membrane in N.gonorrhoeae during DNA uptake?

PilQ Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ComEA protein in B.subtilis?

Binds dsDNA reversibly via ionic interactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ComG during transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

Provides access to ComEA Signup and view all the answers

What are the proteins involved in the surface exclusion of F plasmids during conjugation in bacteria?

traS, traT Signup and view all the answers

Which type of replication process initiates after the single-stranded DNA of the F plasmid is transferred to the recipient cell through the conjugal bridge?

Rolling circle replication Signup and view all the answers

During conjugation, what is the main function of the F pili synthesized by the F factor?

To transfer the single-stranded DNA to the recipient cell Signup and view all the answers

Which gene is responsible for the positive regulation of the F plasmid during conjugation?

traJ Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs)?

They contain genes for integration into the chromosome and encoding conjugation machinery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for conjugation to occur?

The ability of the plasmid to integrate into the recipient chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the specificity of the fertility inheritance cross F- x F-, in terms of the transfer of genetic material?

Sterility and the inability to transfer genetic material Signup and view all the answers

Which process is critical for the stabilization of mating pairs during conjugation in bacteria?

Stabilization by traN and traG Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of F- strains of E. coli?

They can act as recipients in conjugation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between conjugation in E. coli and conjugation in Streptococcus faecalis?

The mechanism of conjugation is understood in E. coli but not in Streptococcus faecalis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the genes encoding conjugation machinery in ICEs?

To transfer genetic material between bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bacteria is NOT capable of conjugation?

Pseudomonas Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the surface endonuclease NucA during DNA transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

To create double-stranded breaks Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ComFA protein during DNA transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

It helps in moving single-stranded DNA into the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which type of recombination occurs between the imported DNA and the bacterial chromosome during DNA transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

Non-reciprocal recombination Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of RecA during DNA transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

It coats single-stranded DNA molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is responsible for converting single-stranded DNA to double-stranded DNA during transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

No such protein is involved Signup and view all the answers

What happens to DNA molecules during the eclipse phase of transformation in Streptococcus and Bacillus?

Double-stranded DNA molecules are converted to single-stranded DNA molecules Signup and view all the answers