Textbook Question
How do we know that bacteria undergo genetic recombination, allowing the transfer of genes from one organism to another?
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Ch. 8 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages
Klug10th EditionEssentials of GeneticsISBN: 9780135588789
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Genetics16
- Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis28
- Ch. 3 - Mendelian Genetics37
- Ch. 4 - Modification of Mendelian Ratios53
- Ch. 5 - Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes32
- Ch. 6 - Chromosome Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement37
- Ch. 7 - Linkage and Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes36
- Ch. 8 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages24
- Ch. 9 - DNA Structure and Analysis38
- Ch. 10 - DNA Replication29
- Ch. 11 - Chromosome Structure and DNA Sequence Organization22
- Ch. 12 - The Genetic Code and Transcription36
- Ch. 13 - Translation and Proteins27
- Ch. 14 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition34
- Ch. 15 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria22
- Ch. 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes37
- Ch. 17 - Recombinant DNA Technology27
- Ch. 18 - Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Proteomics30
- Ch. 19 - The Genetics of Cancer21
- Ch. 20 - Quantitative Genetics and Multifactorial Traits37
- Ch. 21 - Population and Evolutionary Genetics45
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Klug 10th EditionCh. 8 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and BacteriophagesProblem 1c
Klug 10th EditionCh. 8 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and BacteriophagesProblem 1cChapter 8, Problem 1c
In this chapter, we have focused on genetic systems present in bacteria and the viruses that use bacteria as hosts (bacteriophages). In particular, we discussed mechanisms by which bacteria and their phages undergo genetic recombination, the basis of chromosome mapping. Based on your knowledge of these topics, answer several fundamental questions:
How do we know that during transduction bacterial cell-to-cell contact is not essential?
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that transduction is a process where bacteriophages transfer genetic material from one bacterial cell to another, without requiring direct contact between the bacterial cells themselves.
Understand that in transduction, a bacteriophage infects a donor bacterial cell and accidentally packages fragments of the host bacterial DNA into its viral particles during assembly.
Recognize that these phage particles then infect recipient bacterial cells, injecting the donor DNA into them, which can recombine with the recipient's genome.
Note that because the transfer of DNA is mediated by the phage particles moving through the environment, physical contact between donor and recipient bacteria is not necessary.
Therefore, experimental evidence showing genetic exchange via phage particles in mixed bacterial cultures without cell-to-cell contact supports the conclusion that transduction does not require bacterial cell contact.
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Transduction in Bacteria
Transduction is a process where bacteriophages transfer genetic material between bacterial cells without direct contact. During this process, phages accidentally package bacterial DNA and inject it into another bacterium, facilitating genetic recombination independently of cell-to-cell contact.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:53
Transduction
Role of Bacteriophages in Genetic Transfer
Bacteriophages act as vectors that mediate gene transfer by infecting bacteria and transferring DNA. Since phages can move freely in the environment, they enable genetic exchange between bacteria that are not physically touching, demonstrating that direct contact is unnecessary.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:04Mapping Bacteriophages
Experimental Evidence for Transduction Mechanism
Experiments showing gene transfer in liquid cultures where bacteria are separated or inactivated prove that physical contact is not required. The ability of phages to mediate gene transfer in such conditions confirms that transduction occurs via phage particles rather than direct bacterial contact.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:53Transduction
Related Practice
Textbook Question
How do we know whether or not genetic recombination between bacteria involves cell-to-cell contact?
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Textbook Question
Write a short summary that contrasts how recombination occurs in bacteria and bacteriophages.
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Textbook Question
With respect to F⁺ and F⁻ bacterial matings, answer the following questions: How was it established that physical contact between cells was necessary?
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