Microbial Genetics Chapter 8

Gene

• A segment of DNA that codes for a functional product (protein or RNA).

DNA Replication

• The process of making an exact copy of DNA.

DNA Ligase

• An enzyme responsible for joining Okazaki fragments and mending gaps in the DNA backbone during excision repair.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

• Molecule that carries the coded information for making specific proteins from DNA to ribosomes.

Transcription

• The process of creating a copy of DNA, using the DNA as a template to create mRNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

• Type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

DNA Polymerase

• An enzyme responsible for replicating DNA.

DNA Replication

• The term for the process of creating a copy of DNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

• Carries the coded information for making specific proteins from DNA to ribosomes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

• Molecules that recognize specific codons and transport amino acids.

Codon

• A group of three nucleotides on mRNA.

Promoter

• Where transcription begins.

61

• Number of sense codons out of 64 total codons.

DNA Damage

• A result of ionizing radiation.

RNA Polymerase

• Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

tRNA

• Facilitates the translation of mRNA codons into amino acids during protein synthesis.

Point Mutation

• The most common type of mutation involving single base pairs.

Frameshift Mutation

• Type of mutations that occur when one or a few nucleotide pairs are deleted or inserted in the DNA, altering the reading frame of the genetic code.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

• The process of bacteria passing their genes to other microbes of the same generation.

Conjugative Plasmids

• Type of plasmids that carry genes for sex pili and for the transfer of the plasmid to another cell.

Base-pair Substitution

• A type of mutation that occurs when a single base pair is replaced by another.

Alteration in Protein Function

• The result of a frameshift mutation.

Transfer of Genetic Information

• The purpose of conjugative plasmids.

Nonsense Mutation

• Type of mutation that occurs when a codon is changed to a stop codon.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

• The primary mechanism of gene transfer between bacteria.

Test your knowledge of microbial genetics with this quiz covering DNA segments, genetic codes, and more. Practice converting DNA molecules and identifying functional products. Review Chapter 8 of your microbiology textbook to refresh your understanding of microbial genetics.