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Microbiology: Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology

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  • Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes

    Prokaryotic genomes are usually a single circular chromosome without histones, while eukaryotic genomes have multiple linear chromosomes with histones.

  • Chromosomal DNA in prokaryotes vs eukaryotes

    Prokaryotic chromosomal DNA is circular and located in the nucleoid; eukaryotic chromosomal DNA is linear and enclosed within a nucleus.

  • Function of extrachromosomal DNA (plasmids)

    Plasmids carry additional genes that can provide advantages like antibiotic resistance and can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

  • Genetic organization differences and DNA replication

    Prokaryotes have a single origin of replication on circular DNA; eukaryotes have multiple origins on linear chromosomes, affecting replication speed and complexity.

  • Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

    Information flows from DNA to RNA to protein through transcription and translation.

  • Initiation in transcription and translation

    Transcription initiation involves RNA polymerase binding to the promoter; translation initiation involves ribosome assembly at the start codon on mRNA.

  • Elongation in transcription and translation

    During transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA; during translation, ribosomes add amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.

  • Termination in transcription and translation

    Transcription ends at terminator sequences; translation ends at stop codons causing release of the polypeptide.

  • Redundancy in the genetic code

    Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, which helps reduce the impact of mutations on protein function.

  • Role of the lac operon in prokaryotes

    The lac operon regulates lactose metabolism genes, allowing bacteria to use lactose when glucose is absent.

  • Role of the trp operon in prokaryotes

    The trp operon controls tryptophan synthesis genes and is repressed when tryptophan is abundant.

  • Causes of mutation and their impact

    Mutations can be caused by errors in replication or mutagens and may alter protein function or regulation.

  • Recombination as repair and biotechnology tool

    Recombination repairs damaged DNA and is used in genetic engineering to insert or modify genes.

  • Genetic variation via vertical gene transfer

    Vertical gene transfer is the transmission of genetic material from parent to offspring.

  • Genetic variation via horizontal gene transfer

    Horizontal gene transfer involves gene exchange between organisms, increasing diversity without reproduction.

  • Parasexual processes in microorganisms

    Microorganisms can acquire new DNA through transformation, transduction, or conjugation without sexual reproduction.

  • Determining prokaryote motility

    Motility can be assessed using microscopy to observe movement or specialized media like motility agar.