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Question 1

Microbial genetics

Answer 1

the study of inheritance and the variability of the characteristics of microorganisms

Question 2

Information is stored in

Answer 2

chromosomes & plasmids

Question 3

Phenotype
And genotype

Answer 3

P-the observable structural traits produced by the interaction of genes & environment

G-genetic “make-up” of the organism

Question 4

Intergrons

Answer 4

Pieces of DNA that accumulate new genes
–They are specialized elements for the expression of antibiotic resistance genes.

Question 5

Gene

Answer 5

The unit of genetic information or hereditary material contained in DNA molecule

Question 6

Most genes have their protein-coding information interrupted by non-coding sequences called “…….”. The coding sequences are then called “……..”.

Answer 6

Introns and exons

Question 7

Replication –
Transcription-
Translation –

Answer 7

Replication – new copy of DNA being made

Transcription-This is the process of making a copy of gene DNA to mRNA

Translation – mRNA read and protein produced

Question 8

Transcription characteristics

Answer 8

The enzyme responsible for this process is RNA polymerase

Copies the gene is a 5‘→ 3’ direction

Gene transcription begins at a site called the Promoter & ends at another site called the Terminator.

Question 9

Gene expression

Answer 9

The process by which a gene’s information is converted into the structures & functions of a cell by a process of producing a biologically functional molecule of either protein or RNA is made.

Question 10

Gene expression is controlled …………. and …………….at various points in the sequence leading to protein synthesis.

Answer 10

by repressor or activator protein

Question 11

Bacterial Chromosome

Answer 11

•Usually circular, super coiled, double stranded DNA molecule attached to cell membrane.
•Located/condensed into the nucleoid.
•No nuclear membrane.
•Replicate semi-conservatively – one DNA strand acts as template for the synthesis of the other; bi-directional
•Replication starts from a specific site – Origin of replication (Ori-C)
•The genome is haploid (only 1 chromosome per cell)
•Chromosome size differ between species

Question 12

…… control the properties of organisms.

Answer 12

Genes

Question 13

Plasmids are

Answer 13

Are extrachromosomal DNA elements capable of autonomous replication.

Question 14

Characteristics of plasmid

Answer 14

Smaller but similar to chromosome
Circular except in B. burgdorferi which is linear
Inherited by daughter cells

Question 15

Plasmid are commonly found in

Answer 15

Gram negative bacteria

Question 16

Episome

Answer 16

a plasmid capable of integrating with the bacterial chromosome.

Question 17

Plasmids can be removed from the host cell in the process called

Answer 17

Curing

Question 18

Plasmids phenotypic characteristics

Answer 18

1.They are responsible for virulence (e.g. E. coli)
2.Antibiotic resistance
3.Production of antimicrobials (antibiotic, bacteriocins)
4.Metabolic pathway: Pseudomonas spp - catabolic activity for salicylic acid
5.They are specific to 1 or a few particular bacteria

Question 19

Types plasmid based on function

Answer 19

Fertility plasmid (F factor)

Question 20

Types of plasmid based on transfer properties

Question 21

Additional

Question 22

Transposons (Tn)

Answer 22

are sequences (segments) of DNA that can move around to different positions (b/n chromosome & plasmids) within the genome of a single cell

Question 23

Transposons also called

Answer 23

Jumping genes

Question 24

Disinfection and disinfectant

Answer 24

The destruction of pathogenic

Usually involves the removal of vegetative or non-endospore forming pathogens

Corrosive chemicals that are destructive to skin and mucous membrane

They are used where sterilization is not practicable

Question 25

Antiseptics

Answer 25

Chemical agents (mild agents applied to body surfaces such as the skin without harming it)