Question

What is the name for the transfer of genetic information from one bacterium to another bacterium by a phage? a. transduction b. penetration c. excision d. translation

Short answer

a. transduction

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks for the term used to describe the transfer of genetic information from one bacterium to another bacterium by a phage.

Know the Key Terms

Review the definitions of each term provided in the options: - Transduction: Transfer of genetic material by a phage. - Penetration: Entry of a phage into a bacterium.- Excision: Removal of DNA from a chromosome.- Translation: Process of making a protein from mRNA.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Based on the definitions: - Penetration is related to the entry of the phage, not gene transfer. - Excision deals with DNA removal, not transfer. - Translation involves protein synthesis, not gene transfer between bacteria.

Choose the Correct Option

The correct term for the transfer of genetic information from one bacterium to another bacterium by a phage is 'transduction.'

Key concepts

phages

Phages, also known as bacteriophages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They play a crucial role in the genetic world of microorganisms. A phage attaches itself to a bacterial cell and injects its genetic material into it. This begins the process of using the bacteria's cellular machinery to create more phages.
Phages have two main life cycles: lytic and lysogenic. In the lytic cycle, the phage takes over the bacterium's machinery to replicate its DNA and produce new phage particles. Eventually, the bacterium bursts, releasing the new phages to infect other bacterial cells.
In the lysogenic cycle, the phage's DNA integrates with the bacterium's genome and remains dormant for some time. This dormant state can switch to the lytic cycle, beginning the process of creating new phages.
Phages are known to be highly specific to the bacteria they infect, making them a valuable tool in bacterial gene transfer and microbial genetics studies. They can be used to fight bacterial infections or to manipulate bacterial genomes for research.

genetic transfer

Genetic transfer is the process of passing genetic material from one organism to another. In bacteria, this can happen through several mechanisms, including transformation, conjugation, and transduction.

• Transformation involves the uptake of free DNA by a bacterial cell from its surroundings.
• Conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, usually involving a special structure called a pilus.
• Transduction is the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another via a phage.

Each of these methods plays a key role in the genetic diversity and adaptability of bacterial populations. They can spread beneficial genes, such as antibiotic resistance or metabolic capabilities, allowing bacteria to survive and thrive in changing environments.

microbial genetics

Microbial genetics is the study of how genes are organized and regulated in microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It examines how genetic information is transferred and how it results in various phenotypic traits.
This field includes the study of mutations, plasmids, genetic recombination, and gene expression.
By understanding microbial genetics, scientists can develop new antibiotics, understand microbial resistance, and even harness microbes for industrial applications like biotechnology and food production. Exploiting phages for genetic transfer, termed transduction, is one way scientists can manipulate bacterial genomes.
Through the techniques learned in microbial genetics, research has led to a variety of applications, including the development of vaccines and the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agriculture.

bacterial gene transfer

Bacterial gene transfer is a key mechanism by which bacteria acquire new genetic information. This process can occur through several routes:

• Conjugation: Direct transfer of DNA via cell-to-cell contact using pili.
• Transformation: Uptake of naked DNA from the environment.
• Transduction: Genetic information transferred by a phage from one bacterium to another.

Each of these methods assists bacteria in spreading advantageous genes, such as those conferring antibiotic resistance or enhanced metabolic processes.
Transduction is especially significant in medical and research settings because phages can introduce new genes into bacteria, potentially altering their pathogenicity, resistance profiles, and interactions within microbial communities.
Understanding bacterial gene transfer is crucial for developing new treatment strategies for bacterial infections and harnessing bacteria for beneficial uses in various industries.