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Questions and Answers
Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus.
Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus.
False
Eukaryotic cells have cell organelles.
Eukaryotic cells have cell organelles.
True
Gram-negative bacteria retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process.
Gram-negative bacteria retain the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process.
False
The Gram stain is an important method for differentiating bacterial types.
The Gram stain is an important method for differentiating bacterial types.
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Prokaryotic cells possess a cell wall, while eukaryotic cells do not.
Prokaryotic cells possess a cell wall, while eukaryotic cells do not.
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Gram-positive bacteria have a high lipid content in their cell envelope.
Gram-positive bacteria have a high lipid content in their cell envelope.
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The cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria is primarily composed of proteins.
The cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria is primarily composed of proteins.
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Mycoplasmas are the smallest known bacteria and possess a cell wall.
Mycoplasmas are the smallest known bacteria and possess a cell wall.
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The crystal violet-iodine complex stays inside Gram-negative bacteria after alcohol treatment.
The crystal violet-iodine complex stays inside Gram-negative bacteria after alcohol treatment.
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The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria assists in selective permeability.
The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria assists in selective permeability.
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Cocci bacteria are rod-shaped.
Cocci bacteria are rod-shaped.
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The bacterial genome contains the genetic information of the bacteria.
The bacterial genome contains the genetic information of the bacteria.
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Osmotic barriers in bacteria allow molecules smaller than glycerol to passively diffuse into the cytoplasm.
Osmotic barriers in bacteria allow molecules smaller than glycerol to passively diffuse into the cytoplasm.
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Peptidoglycan is the principal component of the bacterial cell wall.
Peptidoglycan is the principal component of the bacterial cell wall.
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Gram-positive bacteria typically have a single layer of peptidoglycan.
Gram-positive bacteria typically have a single layer of peptidoglycan.
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Penicillin disrupts the synthesis of peptidoglycan.
Penicillin disrupts the synthesis of peptidoglycan.
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Gram-negative bacteria have a thicker peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
Gram-negative bacteria have a thicker peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
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Flagella are required for bacterial motility and chemotaxis.
Flagella are required for bacterial motility and chemotaxis.
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Capsules and slime layers help bacteria resist phagocytosis and antibiotics.
Capsules and slime layers help bacteria resist phagocytosis and antibiotics.
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Gram-negative bacteria are capable of forming spores.
Gram-negative bacteria are capable of forming spores.
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Biofilms consist of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and secrete gluelike substances.
Biofilms consist of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and secrete gluelike substances.
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RNA polymerase is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing strand during DNA replication.
RNA polymerase is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing strand during DNA replication.
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Plasmids are small circular extrachromosomal DNA molecules that can replicate independently.
Plasmids are small circular extrachromosomal DNA molecules that can replicate independently.
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Ribosomes decode mRNA to specify the sequence of amino acids in a protein during transcription.
Ribosomes decode mRNA to specify the sequence of amino acids in a protein during transcription.
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Bacterial genes can occur individually or in groups called operons.
Bacterial genes can occur individually or in groups called operons.
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DNA ligase is the enzyme that unwinds double-stranded DNA during replication.
DNA ligase is the enzyme that unwinds double-stranded DNA during replication.
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Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
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The promoter region is downstream of the gene.
The promoter region is downstream of the gene.
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Topoisomerase II is involved in the formation of peptide chains during translation.
Topoisomerase II is involved in the formation of peptide chains during translation.
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Plasmids can contain antibiotic resistance genes.
Plasmids can contain antibiotic resistance genes.
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Gene mutations are the rarest source of genetic variation.
Gene mutations are the rarest source of genetic variation.
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Substitution mutations affect proteins only at the point of the mutation.
Substitution mutations affect proteins only at the point of the mutation.
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A frameshift mutation can occur due to deletions or insertions.
A frameshift mutation can occur due to deletions or insertions.
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Insertion mutations generally lead to only minor changes in protein function.
Insertion mutations generally lead to only minor changes in protein function.
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Every mutation has a significant effect on protein function.
Every mutation has a significant effect on protein function.
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Virulence genes can be found on plasmids.
Virulence genes can be found on plasmids.
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Mutation rates can range from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-9}$ per cell division.
Mutation rates can range from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-9}$ per cell division.
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Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of a nucleus.
Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the presence of a nucleus.
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Gram-negative bacteria can be identified by their unique color after being stained with crystal violet.
Gram-negative bacteria can be identified by their unique color after being stained with crystal violet.
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Bacterial DNA is primarily organized as a single circular chromosome.
Bacterial DNA is primarily organized as a single circular chromosome.
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Eukaryotic cells have cell walls, while prokaryotic cells do not.
Eukaryotic cells have cell walls, while prokaryotic cells do not.
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The roles of plasmids in bacteria include carrying genes that confer antibiotic resistance.
The roles of plasmids in bacteria include carrying genes that confer antibiotic resistance.
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Antibiotics can decrease mutation rates in bacteria.
Antibiotics can decrease mutation rates in bacteria.
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Gram-negative bacteria have a thicker cell wall compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
Gram-negative bacteria have a thicker cell wall compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
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Bacteria can possess flagellae that aid in movement.
Bacteria can possess flagellae that aid in movement.
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Plasmids play a significant role in the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Plasmids play a significant role in the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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A major feature of Gram-negative bacteria is the presence of an outer membrane.
A major feature of Gram-negative bacteria is the presence of an outer membrane.
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DNA gyrase catalyzes the positive supercoiling of DNA.
DNA gyrase catalyzes the positive supercoiling of DNA.
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DNA replication is a conservative process.
DNA replication is a conservative process.
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Replication occurs in both directions from the origin of replication.
Replication occurs in both directions from the origin of replication.
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RNA primase lays down an RNA primer on the leading strand exclusively.
RNA primase lays down an RNA primer on the leading strand exclusively.
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Errors during DNA replication can lead to mutations.
Errors during DNA replication can lead to mutations.
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DNA polymerase works in the 3’ to 5’ direction.
DNA polymerase works in the 3’ to 5’ direction.
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Okazaki fragments are formed on the leading strand during replication.
Okazaki fragments are formed on the leading strand during replication.
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After DNA replication, two identical daughter helices are formed.
After DNA replication, two identical daughter helices are formed.
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DNA polymerase is the primary enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA transcription.
DNA polymerase is the primary enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA transcription.
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Ribosomes play a key role in decoding mRNA to create proteins during the process known as translation.
Ribosomes play a key role in decoding mRNA to create proteins during the process known as translation.
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Plasmids can replicate independently from the chromosomal DNA within bacterial cells.
Plasmids can replicate independently from the chromosomal DNA within bacterial cells.
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During gene expression, transcription occurs after the translation process has taken place.
During gene expression, transcription occurs after the translation process has taken place.
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Initiation of transcription begins at the terminator region of the gene.
Initiation of transcription begins at the terminator region of the gene.
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A frameshift mutation is often caused by deletion or insertion of nucleotides in the DNA sequence.
A frameshift mutation is often caused by deletion or insertion of nucleotides in the DNA sequence.
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Deletion mutations lead to changes in the amino acid sequence beyond the deletion point due to misreading of triplet codons.
Deletion mutations lead to changes in the amino acid sequence beyond the deletion point due to misreading of triplet codons.
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Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for transporting nucleotides to the growing RNA strand during transcription.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for transporting nucleotides to the growing RNA strand during transcription.
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Insertion mutations only cause minor changes in protein function.
Insertion mutations only cause minor changes in protein function.
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Operons are clusters of genes that are rarely found in prokaryotes.
Operons are clusters of genes that are rarely found in prokaryotes.
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Spontaneous gene mutations occur without any outside influences.
Spontaneous gene mutations occur without any outside influences.
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Silent mutations typically result in a significant change in protein function.
Silent mutations typically result in a significant change in protein function.
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Antibiotic resistance genes can be present on plasmids.
Antibiotic resistance genes can be present on plasmids.
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The only type of mutation that causes a change in the amino acid sequence is substitution.
The only type of mutation that causes a change in the amino acid sequence is substitution.
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Mutation rates can vary significantly, ranging from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-9}$ per cell division.
Mutation rates can vary significantly, ranging from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-9}$ per cell division.
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All mutations have a significant effect on the resulting proteins.
All mutations have a significant effect on the resulting proteins.
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Eukaryotic cells do not have a nucleoid region, while prokaryotic cells do.
Eukaryotic cells do not have a nucleoid region, while prokaryotic cells do.
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Gram-positive bacteria lose the crystal violet stain when treated with alcohol.
Gram-positive bacteria lose the crystal violet stain when treated with alcohol.
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Bacterial DNA is organized as multiple linear chromosomes rather than a single circular chromosome.
Bacterial DNA is organized as multiple linear chromosomes rather than a single circular chromosome.
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The outer membrane of Gram-positive bacteria is responsible for selective permeability.
The outer membrane of Gram-positive bacteria is responsible for selective permeability.
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The presence of flagella is a definitive characteristic unique to Gram-positive bacteria.
The presence of flagella is a definitive characteristic unique to Gram-positive bacteria.
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Mycobacteria stain effectively using the Gram method due to their low wax content.
Mycobacteria stain effectively using the Gram method due to their low wax content.
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The primary function of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria is to serve as a rigid protective layer.
The primary function of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria is to serve as a rigid protective layer.
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Cocci are characterized by their rod-shaped morphology.
Cocci are characterized by their rod-shaped morphology.
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The cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria is primarily composed of lipids and phospholipids.
The cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria is primarily composed of lipids and phospholipids.
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Alcohol treatment dehydrates the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, making it impermeable.
Alcohol treatment dehydrates the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, making it impermeable.
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Plasmids are essential components of the bacterial genome that contain the main genetic information.
Plasmids are essential components of the bacterial genome that contain the main genetic information.
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The Gram staining process allows for differentiation between types of bacteria based on their cell envelope structure.
The Gram staining process allows for differentiation between types of bacteria based on their cell envelope structure.
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Osmotic barriers in bacteria allow all molecules to pass freely into the cytoplasm.
Osmotic barriers in bacteria allow all molecules to pass freely into the cytoplasm.
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Gram-positive bacteria can form spores, while Gram-negative bacteria cannot.
Gram-positive bacteria can form spores, while Gram-negative bacteria cannot.
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The outer membrane of Gram-positive bacteria is primarily made of phospholipids.
The outer membrane of Gram-positive bacteria is primarily made of phospholipids.
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Pili play a role in bacterial motility by aiding in chemotaxis.
Pili play a role in bacterial motility by aiding in chemotaxis.
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Capsules and slime layers provide bacteria a means of adherence as well as protection against antibiotics.
Capsules and slime layers provide bacteria a means of adherence as well as protection against antibiotics.
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During bacterial gene expression, RNA polymerase initiates transcription at the upstream region of the gene.
During bacterial gene expression, RNA polymerase initiates transcription at the upstream region of the gene.
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The enzyme that adds nucleotides during DNA replication is known as helicase.
The enzyme that adds nucleotides during DNA replication is known as helicase.
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The peptidoglycan layer in Gram-negative bacteria consists of a high percentage of cell envelope material.
The peptidoglycan layer in Gram-negative bacteria consists of a high percentage of cell envelope material.
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Antibiotics are less effective against bacteria in biofilms compared to planktonic cells.
Antibiotics are less effective against bacteria in biofilms compared to planktonic cells.
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Operons are groups of genes that are found mainly in eukaryotes.
Operons are groups of genes that are found mainly in eukaryotes.
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Translation relies on ribosomes decoding mRNA to form the complete protein structure.
Translation relies on ribosomes decoding mRNA to form the complete protein structure.
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Techoic acids are an important component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope.
Techoic acids are an important component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope.
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The crystal violet stain is retained by Gram-positive bacteria due to their thick peptidoglycan layer.
The crystal violet stain is retained by Gram-positive bacteria due to their thick peptidoglycan layer.
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Bacterial plasmids are linear DNA molecules that integrate into the bacterial chromosome.
Bacterial plasmids are linear DNA molecules that integrate into the bacterial chromosome.
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The process of transcription involves the unwinding of mRNA by RNA polymerase.
The process of transcription involves the unwinding of mRNA by RNA polymerase.
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Amino acyl transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome during transcription.
Amino acyl transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome during transcription.
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The promoter region is located downstream of the gene.
The promoter region is located downstream of the gene.
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All gene mutations are beneficial and enhance the functionality of proteins.
All gene mutations are beneficial and enhance the functionality of proteins.
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Insertion mutations always lead to significant changes in protein functionality.
Insertion mutations always lead to significant changes in protein functionality.
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Deletions of nucleotide sequences in DNA tend to cause a frameshift mutation, altering all subsequent amino acids.
Deletions of nucleotide sequences in DNA tend to cause a frameshift mutation, altering all subsequent amino acids.
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The mutation rate in bacteria is uniform at approximately $10^{-5}$ per cell division.
The mutation rate in bacteria is uniform at approximately $10^{-5}$ per cell division.
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Toxins and metabolic genes can be located on plasmids along with antibiotic resistance genes.
Toxins and metabolic genes can be located on plasmids along with antibiotic resistance genes.
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Substitution mutations alter the amino acid sequence beyond the mutated codon.
Substitution mutations alter the amino acid sequence beyond the mutated codon.
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The occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids contributes to the rapid spread of resistance among bacterial populations.
The occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids contributes to the rapid spread of resistance among bacterial populations.
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Virulence genes are exclusively found in eukaryotic organisms.
Virulence genes are exclusively found in eukaryotic organisms.
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Study Notes
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
- Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and cell organelles; Eukaryotes contain a nucleus and cell organelles, like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum
- Prokaryotes have a cell wall, while Eukaryotes do not
Clinical Significance of Bacteria
- Microscopy is used to examine bacterial cell shape, color (stain), size, and morphology
- The Gram Stain is the most important differential staining method in microbiology
- Gram-positive bacteria have many peptidoglycan layers, while Gram-negative bacteria have one layer
- The Gram Stain highlights the differential lipid content of cell envelopes
- Cell wall structure determines how the cell stains (positive or negative)
- Mycobacteria have a high wax content in their cell envelope and are stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen stain
- Mycoplasmas lack a cell wall and are the smallest known bacteria
Bacterial Cell Structure
- Genome: Contains the bacterial genetic information (chromosome) and can include plasmids
-
Cytoplasmic Membrane: Surrounds the cytoplasm and is composed primarily of lipids and phospholipids
- Acts as an osmotic barrier, only allowing molecules smaller than glycerol to diffuse into the cytoplasm
- Site of energy production through oxidative phosphorylation
- Involved in the transport of molecules via permeases (facilitated diffusion and active transport)
- Involved in the synthesis of a new cell wall
- Anchors the bacterial chromosome
-
Cell Wall: Rigid layer surrounding the cytoplasmic membrane, composed mainly of peptidoglycan
- Provides cell shape and prevents osmotic lysis
- Peptidoglycan synthesis is disrupted by antibiotics, like penicillin
- Many antigens located on the cell wall surface
-
Outer Membrane of Gram-negative Bacteria: Covers the cell wall and acts as a molecular sieve
- Phospholipid-Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bilayer
- Essential to the Gram Stain, due to the extra lipid layer
Pathogenesis of Infection
- Flagella: Required for motility (chemotaxis) by rotating
- Pili: Involved in bacterial adherence
- Capsules and Slime Layers: Provide protection from phagocytosis and antibiotics, and play a role in bacterial adherence
-
Spores: Formed by some Gram-positive bacteria to protect from adverse conditions
- Gram-negative bacteria cannot form spores
-
Biofilms: Form when bacteria adhere to surfaces and excrete glue-like substances
- Biofilms are commonly involved in bacterial infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and catheter-related infections (Staphylococcus epidermidis)
- Significant resistance to antibiotics
Bacterial DNA Replication
- Initiation: Beginning of replication
- Elongation: DNA unwinding and synthesis
- Proofreading: Ensures accuracy of replication
- Termination: Completion of Replication
- Important enzymes involved in replication include:
- Helicase: Unwinds DNA
- DNA Polymerase: Catalyzes DNA synthesis
- Ligase: Joins DNA fragments
- Gyrase: Unwinds supercoiled DNA
Bacterial Gene Expression
- DNA: Contains genetic information (genes)
- Gene Structure: Genes can occur individually or in groups (operons), which is rare in eukaryotes
- Transcription: RNA polymerase binds to promoter regions, unwinding DNA and transcribing DNA into RNA
- Translation: mRNA is used as a template by ribosomes and tRNA to decode genetic information into an amino acid sequence
Clinical Significance of Plasmids and DNA Mutation
-
Plasmids: Small circular extrachromosomal DNA molecules
- Replicate independently of the host cell's chromosome
- Can be transferred between bacteria
- Often confer phenotypic advantages, such as antibiotic resistance
- Commonly found in hospital bacteria, contributing to multidrug resistance
- Plasmid genes include antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, and metabolic genes
-
Gene Mutations: Primary source of genetic variation
- Can be spontaneous or induced by mutagens
- Mutation rates vary from 10^-3 to 10^-9 per cell division, depending on the bacteria and the gene
- Three types of mutations:
- Substitution: Change in a single base pair, may or may not affect protein function
- Deletion: Loss of one or more base pairs, can cause frameshift mutations
- Insertion: Addition of one or more base pairs, can cause frameshift mutations
- Frameshift Mutations: Result from deletions or insertions, altering the reading frame of the genetic code and potentially leading to non-functional truncated proteins
- Premature Termination: Can occur due to frameshift mutations, stopping the translation process early and producing a non-functional protein
Prokaryotic Cell Overview
- Prokaryotes lack a nucleus, cell wall, and cell organelles, unlike eukaryotes.
- Microscopy observes a bacterial cell's shape, stain colour, size, and arrangement.
-
Gram stain is a vital differential staining method in microbiology:
- Gram-positive bacteria: retain the crystal violet dye, appearing purple.
- Gram-negative bacteria: lose the violet dye after alcohol wash, appearing pink.
-
Supercoiling of DNA is facilitated by the enzyme DNA gyrase (type II topoisomerase).
- This negative supercoiling releases tension within the structure, aiding replication and transcription.
-
DNA replication is a semi-conservative process where one strand acts as a template for the second strand.
- Initiation: Starts at the ‘origin of replication’ (oriC); Helicase unwinds dsDNA into ssDNA for replication.
-
Elongation: DNA polymerase adds complementary bases to the parent strand.
- Leading strand: Continuous replication.
- Lagging strand: Discontinuous replication, creating Okazaki fragments.
- Proofreading: DNA polymerase removes incorrect bases and replaces them with the correct ones.
- Termination: Completion of replication yields two identical daughter DNA helices.
-
Bacterial gene expression: decoding genetic information in DNA to produce proteins.
- Gene structure: Genes can be individual or in groups called operons.
- Transcription: RNA polymerase creates an RNA transcript (mRNA) from DNA.
- Translation: Ribosomes and tRNA decode mRNA to specify the amino acid sequence within a protein.
-
Plasmids: small circular extrachromosomal DNA molecules:
- Replicate independently, transferable between cells.
- Confer phenotypic advantages to host cells, including:
- Antibiotic resistance genes (often multiple)
- Virulence genes (e.g., toxins)
- Metabolic genes
-
Gene mutations: the most frequent source of genetic variation:
- Spontaneous or induced (mutagens)
- Three types:
- Substitution: Alters a single base, potentially affecting the encoded amino acid.
- Deletion: Removes one or more bases, causing frameshift and misreading of codons.
- Insertion: Adds one or more bases, resulting in a frameshift and potential premature termination.
-
Antibiotic overuse and misuse: leads to antibiotic resistance (AMR):
- Bacteria with AMR genes survive and predominate, due to antibiotic pressure.
-
Pathogenesis of infection: influenced by factors like:
- Cell shape and arrangement
- Gram stain result
- Pilli for attachment
- Flagellae for movement
- Spore production for survival
- Biofilm production
-
Clinical significance:
- Plasmids: Spread antibiotic resistance
- Mutations: Contribute to virulence evolution and antibiotic resistance
Key Enzymes
- Helicase: Unwinds DNA strands.
- DNA polymerase: Adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
- Ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
- Gyrase: Catalyzes negative supercoiling of DNA.
- RNA polymerase: Creates RNA transcript (transcription).
- tRNA: Transports amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Bacterial Gene Regulation
- Promoters: Initiate transcription.
- Transcription factors: Regulate gene expression by binding to promoters.
- Ribosomes: Decode mRNA for protein synthesis.
- tRNA: Transports amino acids.
- Operons: Groups of genes transcribed as a single unit.
Prokaryotic Cells Overview
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and cell organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which have both.
- Prokaryotes have cell walls, while eukaryotes do not.
- Microscopy is used to analyze bacterial cell shape, size, and staining.
- Gram-positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan layers and stain purple, while Gram-negative bacteria have thin peptidoglycan layers and a high lipid content, staining pink.
- Mycobacteria contain a high wax content in their cell envelope and are stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen stain.
- Mycoplasmas are the smallest known bacteria and lack a cell wall.
- Bacterial cell shapes include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and curved or spiral.
- Bacterial genome contains genetic information encoded in DNA, and some bacteria have plasmids which are independent extrachromosomal DNA molecules.
- Cytoplasmic membrane surrounds the cytoplasm and serves as an osmotic barrier, site of energy production, and for the transport of molecules.
- Cell wall provides structural integrity and protects against osmotic lysis.
- Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria covers the cell wall and acts as a sieve for molecular entry.
- Flagella are responsible for bacterial motility, while pili help with bacterial adherence.
- Capsules and slime layers offer protection from phagocytosis, antibiotics, and provide adherence.
- Spores are resistant structures formed by some Gram-positive bacteria for survival in harsh conditions.
- Biofilms are communities of bacteria encased in a slimy matrix, making them difficult to treat due to increased antibiotic resistance.
- DNA replication involves initiation, elongation, proofreading, and termination steps, utilizing various enzymes like helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase, and gyrase.
- Gene expression in bacteria involves transcription and translation.
- Transcription is the process of converting DNA to RNA, using RNA polymerase.
- Translation is the process of converting mRNA into proteins, using ribosomes and tRNA.
- Plasmids can confer antibiotic resistance, virulence, or metabolic advantages to bacteria.
- Gene mutations are the source of genetic variability, arising spontaneously or due to mutagens.
- Substitution mutations typically affect a single amino acid, potentially resulting in no effect or affecting protein function.
- Deletion mutations can cause frameshifts, altering amino acid sequences, and potentially leading to premature protein termination.
- Insertion mutations can also lead to frameshifts and premature protein termination, similar to deletion mutations.
- Antibiotic Resistance is common in bacteria, particularly in hospital settings due to plasmids carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes.
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Description
This quiz explores the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, focusing on their structures and functions. It also covers the clinical significance of bacteria, including staining methods and bacterial cell morphology. Test your knowledge on these fundamental microbiological concepts.
