Mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria

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Reference no: EM133208788

Case: As with all proteins, beta-lactamase is encoded by a section of DNA - but how does that DNA and the ability to produce a new protein transfer from one population of bacteria that have resistance to another population that don't?

Apart from direct transfer from parent to daughter cell through cellular reproduction, horizontal transmission of DNA between different genomes also occurs. Horizontal gene transfer is made possible by the existence of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids (extrachromosomal genetic material), transposons ("jumping genes") and bacteria-infecting viruses (bacteriophages). These elements are transferred between organisms through different mechanisms, which in prokaryotes include transformation, conjugation, and transduction.

Question 1: Wrte a sentence for each of these mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, describing the manner in which the DNA can be transferred from one cell to another.

Question 2: Choose a disease or an organism that has a well-documented mechanism of resistance (such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA or tuberculosis) and see if you can identify the gene or genes that confer resistance and the method of DNA transfer thought to contribute to its spread. This may be from one organism to another or may simply be passed down from mother to daughter cell due to environmental pressure.

Question 3: Finally, discuss the danger that antibiotic resistance poses in today's society. Consider how man has contributed to this and suggest any strategies that you think may be able to halt it or prevent its expansion

Reference no: EM133208788

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