Microbiology: Transformation and Conjugation

Process where bacteria take up genetic material from their environment, enabling them to acquire new traits. It was discovered by Griffith's experiment with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The ability of a bacterium to take up exogenous DNA and incorporate it into its own genome. This ability can be influenced by factors like the bacterial strain, the growth phase, and the presence of certain chemicals.

A transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another via bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). Discovered by Zinder and Lederberg.

Occurs when a bacteriophage packages random pieces of bacterial DNA and delivers them to a new host cell. This can lead to the transfer of any gene of the original bacterial host.

A specific type of transduction where a bacteriophage integrates its DNA into the host's genome, carrying bacterial DNA with it during the replication cycle

The transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through direct contact. This requires cell-to-cell contact and the presence of a special DNA element called the F-factor.

A type of DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently of the host chromosome. It can carry genes that provide bacteria with advantages such as antibiotic resistance.

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can occur spontaneously or be induced by mutagens.

Mobile genetic elements that can jump around within a genome. They can insert themselves into different locations, influencing the expression of nearby genes.