MCB 2000 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Enterotoxin, Helicase, Morbidity And Mortality Weekly Report

• School: University of Florida
• Department: Microbiology and Cell Science
• Course: MCB 2000
• Professor: Abdolkarim Asghari

Document Summary

Vertical gene transfer is acquiring genes from parent organisms during reproduction. Horizontal gene transfer is any transfer of dna that results in organisms acquiring new genes that did not come directly from parent organisms. Types of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria include: Conjugation (direct): requires the attachment of two related species and the formation of a bridge that can transport dna. The genes commonly transferred in nature include drug resistance, resistance to metals, toxin production, enzymes, and adherence molecules. Both gram negative and gram positive cells can conjugate. Transformation (indirect): entails the transfer of free-floating naked dna and requires no special vehicle. Genes commonly transferred in nature include polysaccharide capsule. Transformation is apparently facilitated by special dna-binding proteins on the cell wall that capture dna from the surrounding medium. Cells that are capable of accepting genetic material through this means are termed competent. Transduction (indirect): the transfer of dna from one bacterium to another via a bacterial virus.