What mobile genetic element is responsible for introducing mecA gene into Staphylococcus aureus, leading to methicillin resistance?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which mobile genetic element is responsible for introducing the mecA gene into Staphylococcus aureus that causes methicillin resistance. It provides multiple choice options to identify the correct element.
Answer
Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec)
The mobile genetic element responsible for introducing the mecA gene into Staphylococcus aureus, leading to methicillin resistance, is the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec).
Answer for screen readers
The mobile genetic element responsible for introducing the mecA gene into Staphylococcus aureus, leading to methicillin resistance, is the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec).
More Information
The SCCmec element is a significant contributor to the methicillin resistance found in MRSA, allowing the bacteria to survive in the presence of methicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics. The presence of this gene results in the production of an alternative penicillin-binding protein, PBP2a, which reduces β-lactam binding and allows cell wall synthesis to proceed.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing SCCmec with other mobile genetic elements like plasmids. SCCmec is specifically responsible for methicillin resistance due to the mecA gene.
Sources
- Mobile genetic elements of Staphylococcus aureus - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- SCCmec in staphylococci: genes on the move - Oxford Academic - academic.oup.com
- Natural transformation allows transfer of SCCmec-mediated... - nature.com
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