Textbook Question
Conjugation between an Hfr cell and an F⁻ cell does not usually result in conversion of exconjugants to the donor state. Occasionally, however, the result of this conjugation is two Hfr cells. Explain how this occurs.
Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution64
- Ch. 2 - Transmission Genetics144
- Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity81
- Ch. 4 - Gene Interaction87
- Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes103
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages73
- Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication71
- Ch. 8 - Molecular Biology of Transcription and RNA Processing79
- Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation110
- Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization100
- Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination86
- Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage90
- Ch. 13 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes38
- Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics72
- Ch. 15 - Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications69
- Ch. 16 - Genomics: Genetics from a Whole-Genome Perspective49
- Ch. 17 - Organelle Inheritance and the Evolution of Organelle Genomes27
- Ch. 18 - Developmental Genetics43
- Ch. 19 - Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits66
- Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels105
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and BacteriophagesProblem 5a
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and BacteriophagesProblem 5aChapter 6, Problem 5a
Explain the importance of the following features in conjugating donor bacteria:
the origin of transfer
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that bacterial conjugation is a process where genetic material is transferred from a donor bacterium to a recipient bacterium through direct contact. The donor bacterium typically contains a plasmid, such as the F plasmid, which facilitates this transfer.
Recognize that the 'origin of transfer' (OriT) is a specific sequence on the plasmid where the transfer process begins. It is crucial because it serves as the starting point for the single-stranded DNA to be cut and transferred to the recipient bacterium.
Learn that the OriT is recognized by proteins encoded by the plasmid, such as relaxase, which initiates the transfer by making a nick at the OriT site. This step is essential for the conjugation machinery to function properly.
Understand that the presence of the OriT ensures that the plasmid DNA is transferred in a controlled and directional manner, allowing the recipient bacterium to receive the genetic material accurately.
Appreciate the importance of the OriT in facilitating horizontal gene transfer, which contributes to genetic diversity and can spread traits such as antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Conjugation
Conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, where genetic material is transferred from a donor to a recipient cell through direct contact. This mechanism is crucial for the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance. Understanding conjugation helps in grasping how genetic diversity is generated in bacterial populations.
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Conjugation Overview
Origin of Transfer (oriT)
The origin of transfer (oriT) is a specific DNA sequence in the plasmid that initiates the transfer of genetic material during conjugation. It is recognized by the conjugative machinery of the donor bacterium, allowing the plasmid to be replicated and transferred to the recipient. The presence and functionality of oriT are essential for successful gene transfer.
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Plasmids
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that exist independently of chromosomal DNA in bacteria. They often carry genes that confer advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance or metabolic capabilities. In the context of conjugation, plasmids with a functional oriT are key players in the transfer process, facilitating the exchange of genetic information between bacteria.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
A couple comes into your genetic counseling practice with a question about the chance a future child of theirs might have a genetic disease. Three or four men in the woman's family, including her father, had a condition that might be genetic. Although her father is still alive, she has had little contact with him for much of her life and cannot describe or name the condition. Her partner is a healthy man whose family has no history indicating the presence of a genetic condition. To provide more information about this possible genetic condition for the couple, what is the first step you recommend?
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Textbook Question
Bacteria transfer genes by conjugation, transduction, and transformation. Compare and contrast these mechanisms. In your answer, identify which if any processes involve homologous recombination and which if any do not.
Textbook Question
Explain the importance of the following features in conjugating donor bacteria:
the conjugation pilus
Textbook Question
Explain the importance of the following features in conjugating donor bacteria:
homologous recombination
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Textbook Question
Explain the importance of the following features in conjugating donor bacteria:
the relaxosome