🧬 Topic Summary
Bacterial transduction is a process where a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) transfers genetic material from one bacterium to another. This occurs when the bacteriophage accidentally packages bacterial DNA into its capsid instead of its own viral DNA. When this 'mistake' virus infects another bacterium, it injects the previous host's DNA, leading to genetic recombination and new traits in the recipient bacterium. Transduction is a key mechanism for horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, contributing to antibiotic resistance and the spread of virulence factors.
There are two main types of transduction: generalized transduction, where any part of the bacterial genome can be transferred, and specialized transduction, where only genes near the site of prophage integration can be transferred.
🔬 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Bacteriophage |
A. The process by which a bacteriophage transfers genetic material from one bacterium to another. |
| 2. Transduction |
B. Bacterial DNA integrated into the viral genome. |
| 3. Capsid |
C. A virus that infects bacteria. |
| 4. Prophage |
D. The protein shell of a virus. |
| 5. Recombination |
E. The process by which genetic material is exchanged between DNA molecules. |
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the following paragraph:
During transduction, a __________ transfers __________ from one bacterium to another. This can occur through __________ transduction, where any bacterial gene can be transferred, or __________ transduction, where only specific genes are transferred. The transferred DNA can then be incorporated into the recipient bacterium's genome through __________.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how transduction contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. Provide a specific example.