Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses

Working with Microorganisms

Genetics

5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses

Working with Microorganisms

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1:48 minutes

Problem 15a

Textbook Question

A 2013 CDC report identified the practice of routinely adding antibiotic compounds to animal feed as a major culprit in the rapid increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains. Agricultural practice in recent decades has encouraged the addition of antibiotics to animal feed to promote growth rather than to treat disease.
Speculate about the process by which feeding antibiotics to animals such as cattle might lead to an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of antibiotic resistance: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics. This is often driven by genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer.

Recognize the role of selective pressure: When antibiotics are added to animal feed, they create a selective pressure in the gut microbiome of the animals. Bacteria that are naturally resistant to the antibiotics survive and reproduce, while susceptible bacteria are eliminated.

Consider the genetic mechanisms involved: Resistant bacteria may acquire resistance genes through processes like conjugation (transfer of plasmids), transformation (uptake of free DNA), or transduction (transfer via bacteriophages). These genes can spread within bacterial populations, increasing the prevalence of resistance.

Examine the environmental impact: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the animals can be released into the environment through manure, water runoff, or direct contact. These bacteria can then interact with other microbial populations, further spreading resistance genes.

Reflect on the broader implications: The widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture accelerates the evolution and dissemination of resistant strains, which can eventually infect humans and compromise the effectiveness of antibiotics in medical treatments.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and develop the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth. This process can happen through genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes from other bacteria. The overuse of antibiotics, particularly in agriculture, accelerates this process by creating selective pressure that favors resistant strains.

Selective Pressure

Selective pressure refers to environmental factors that favor certain traits in a population, leading to evolutionary changes. In the context of antibiotic use in livestock, the presence of antibiotics in feed creates a selective environment where only bacteria that have or acquire resistance can survive and reproduce. This results in a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the animal population.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer is the process by which bacteria can exchange genetic material with one another, independent of reproduction. This mechanism allows for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacterial populations, including those found in livestock. When antibiotics are used in animal feed, resistant bacteria can transfer their resistance traits to other bacteria, further exacerbating the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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A 2013 CDC report identified the practice of routinely adding antibiotic compounds to animal feed as a major culprit in the rapid increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains. Agricultural practice in recent decades has encouraged the addition of antibiotics to animal feed to promote growth rather than to treat disease.

How might the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in cattle be a threat to human health?

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Textbook Question

Devise an experiment to identify bacteria that are auxotrophic and unable to produce two amino acids, lysine (lys) and valine (val). The auxotrophic bacteria are in a pool of bacteria in which all the other bacteria are prototrophic. The genotype of the auxotrophs is lys⁻ val⁻. Describe each step in the experiment, identify the constituents in any growth medium or growth plates you propose, and identify the results that will conclusively identify bacteria that are lys⁻ val⁻.

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