Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the transmission of genetic material between organisms that are not parent and offspring. This process allows for rapid evolution and adaptation in bacteria and archaea, contributing to antibiotic resistance and metabolic diversity. HGT can occur through various mechanisms, including conjugation, transformation, and transduction.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Conjugation | A. The uptake of naked DNA from the environment. |
| 2. Transduction | B. Transfer of DNA via a bacteriophage. |
| 3. Transformation | C. Direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells through a pilus. |
| 4. Plasmid | D. A small, circular, extra-chromosomal DNA molecule. |
| 5. Bacteriophage | E. A virus that infects bacteria. |
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D, 5-E
Fill in the missing words in the following paragraph:
__________ gene transfer is a process where genetic material is transferred between organisms that are not related through descent. One mechanism is __________, where DNA is transferred via a virus. Another method, __________, involves the uptake of free DNA from the environment. Lastly, __________ requires direct contact between bacterial cells via a pilus, allowing for the exchange of __________.
Answer Key: Horizontal, transduction, transformation, conjugation, plasmids
Explain how horizontal gene transfer can contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Sample Answer: Horizontal gene transfer allows bacteria to acquire antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria. This can happen through plasmids that carry resistance genes and are transferred via conjugation, or through transduction where bacteriophages carry resistance genes from one bacterium to another. Transformation can also enable bacteria to pick up resistance genes from dead bacteria in their environment. These processes facilitate the rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance across different bacterial species, making infections harder to treat.
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