What processes contribute to variation in prokaryotic genomes?
Transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
What is the role of regulatory genes in prokaryotic gene expression?
They help regulate gene expression through operons.
1/192
p.1
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What processes contribute to variation in prokaryotic genomes?

Transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

p.1
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What is the role of regulatory genes in prokaryotic gene expression?

They help regulate gene expression through operons.

p.1
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the lac operon responsible for?

Regulating the metabolism of lactose in prokaryotes.

p.1
Trp Operon Regulation

What is the trp operon involved in?

Regulating the synthesis of tryptophan in prokaryotes.

p.1
Operon Structure and Function

What are the advantages of operons in bacteria?

They allow coordinated regulation of genes with related functions.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is a prokaryote?

A unicellular organism that lacks membrane-bound organelles.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

Into how many domains are prokaryotes divided?

Two domains: Archaea and Bacteria.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the size range of prokaryotic genomes?

From 0.5Mb to 10Mb.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

How does the size of prokaryotic genomes compare to eukaryotic genomes?

Prokaryotic genomes are smaller in size compared to eukaryotic genomes.

p.1
Operon Structure and Function

What are the two types of operons in prokaryotes?

Inducible and repressible systems.

p.1
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What are the main components of prokaryotic genomes?

DNA/RNA, single-/double-stranded, number of nucleotides, packing of DNA, linearity/circularity, and presence/absence of introns.

p.1
Binary Fission Mechanism

What is the mechanism of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes?

Binary fission.

p.11
Transduction Processes

What is specialized transduction?

A form of gene transfer where only a few specific genes can be transferred to the recipient cell.

p.11
Transduction Processes

What is a prophage?

The inserted viral DNA that becomes part of the bacterial chromosome during the lysogenic phase.

p.6
Binary Fission Mechanism

What occurs after DNA replication in bacterial cells?

Cell growth occurs as the cell elongates.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

What is the first step in the binary fission process?

DNA attaches to the cell membrane at a point called mesosome.

p.11
Transduction Processes

What happens during the lysogenic phase of specialized transduction?

The viral DNA becomes incorporated into the bacterial chromosome at a specific point, forming a prophage.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What are the three components of an operon?

A cluster of structural genes, a promoter, and an operator.

p.4
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What types of antibiotics have resistance genes been found in plasmids?

Ampicillin, tetracycline, and kanamycin.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What type of control is the trp operon under when the active repressor is bound?

Negative control.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

Who discovered the lac operon?

F. Jacob and J. Monod.

p.3
Operon Structure and Function

How are genes organized in a typical bacterial chromosome?

Into operons, where several genes are lined up side by side under the control of a single promoter.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What does the trp operon regulate?

The biosynthesis of tryptophan, an important amino acid.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What are the three structural genes in the lac operon?

lacZ, lacY, and lacA.

p.4
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

Are the genes on plasmids essential for survival under normal conditions?

No, they are often beneficial under stressful conditions.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to the lac operon when lactose is present?

The lac operon is switched on, but the expression is low (basal) as RNA polymerase does not bind efficiently to the promoter.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What was initially thought to be responsible for repressing β-galactosidase expression?

Glucose.

p.6
Binary Fission Mechanism

What happens to the cell membrane during cell division?

The cell membrane folds inwards between the DNA molecules to form a double layer across the long axis of the cell.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What are competent cells?

Bacterial cells that can take up foreign DNA.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What type of operon is the lac operon?

An inducible operon.

p.6
Binary Fission Mechanism

Why are bacteria genetically identical to the parent cell?

Because binary fission is an asexual process.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

How can genetic recombination be detected in bacteria?

By mixing two mutant strains of E. coli that cannot synthesize different essential amino acids, resulting in growth of colonies.

p.15
Operon Structure and Function

What are the two types of operons?

Inducible operons and Repressible operons.

p.6
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What is a major source of individual variation in bacterial populations?

New mutations.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What type of control is exemplified by the lac operon mechanism?

Negative control, as the repressor binding blocks transcription.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What occurs under normal conditions when tryptophan concentration is low?

The repressor protein is inactive and not bound to the operator region, allowing transcription.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What can E. coli synthesize from a precursor?

The amino acid tryptophan by expressing the five structural genes involved in its biosynthesis.

p.23
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

How do operons help in the regulation of gene expression?

They enable bacteria to synthesize only the enzymes that are required.

p.11
Transduction Processes

What occurs during the lytic phase of specialized transduction?

The viral DNA excises itself from the bacterial chromosome, sometimes taking adjacent bacterial DNA with it.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What is the effect of high tryptophan concentration on the biosynthesis of tryptophan?

Biosynthesis is stopped as all 5 enzymes involved are not produced.

p.4
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

Why is the spread of drug-resistant bacteria a serious threat?

Due to plasmids conferring antibiotic resistance on bacteria.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What term was used to describe the repression caused by glucose?

Glucose repression.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What is horizontal transmission in bacteria?

The transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another that is not its offspring, leading to genetic recombination.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What is feedback inhibition at the gene level in the context of the trp operon?

It refers to the down regulation of enzyme synthesis by the presence of the end product.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What happens when an active repressor protein binds to the operator?

It prevents transcription by blocking RNA polymerase from accessing the structural genes.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What are the two types of control the lac operon is under?

Negative control by the lac repressor and positive control by cAMP-CAP.

p.10
Transduction Processes

What occurs when the resultant virus injects bacterial DNA into another bacterium?

The injected DNA may replace homologous regions of the second cell’s chromosome, leading to genetic recombination.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the function of lacY?

It codes for lactose permease, which transports lactose into the bacterial cell.

p.10
Transduction Processes

Why is it called 'generalised' transduction?

Because any segment of the bacterial DNA may get transferred, not just specific genes.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What role does cAMP-CAP play in the lac operon?

It acts as an activator when glucose levels are low.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the effect of high glucose and high lactose on the lac operon?

The operon is partially activated but primarily repressed due to glucose.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What does the regulatory gene (lacl) code for?

The active lac repressor molecule.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

At what level do bacteria mainly regulate their gene expression?

At the transcriptional level.

p.13
Trp Operon Regulation

What occurs when the end product of a metabolic pathway is present?

It can switch off genes that encode enzymes involved in its synthesis, exemplified by the trp operon.

p.11
Transduction Processes

Which bacteriophage is commonly associated with specialized transduction?

Lambda phage.

p.23
Trp Operon Regulation

Which operon responds to tryptophan?

The trp operon.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the lac operon?

A cluster of structural genes coding for enzymes involved in the metabolism of lactose in E. coli.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

Where does DNA replication start in binary fission?

At the origin (Ori C) attached to the cell membrane, near the midpoint of the cell.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What role does lactose permease play in the lac operon?

It allows lactose to enter the cells, initiating the process of transcription.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What role does cAMP play in the regulation of the lac operon?

cAMP activates the catabolite activator protein (CAP), which enhances transcription of the lac operon.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What type of control is exerted by the binding of CAP to DNA?

Positive control, as it increases the expression of genes in the lac operon.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

When does DNA replication end in binary fission?

At the termination sequence situated opposite the origin of replication.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What type of enzymes are produced by the lac operon structural genes?

Inducible enzymes, produced only in response to the presence of allolactose.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What occurs when the repressor is in its inactive form?

It cannot bind to the operator, allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe the structural genes.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What is minimal media in bacterial growth studies?

Media that contain the minimum nutrients necessary for growth, generally lacking essential amino acids.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

How can scientists determine which genes are mutated in bacteria?

By identifying which essential amino acids need to be added to minimal media for growth.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What area does the compacted bacterial chromosome fill?

An area of about 1 μm².

p.4
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What are plasmids?

Small, double-stranded, circular, extra-chromosomal DNA.

p.23
Operon Structure and Function

What is a key advantage of operons in bacteria?

They allow for co-ordinated regulation of genes involved in a metabolic pathway.

p.23
Operon Structure and Function

How do operons allow bacteria to adapt to their environment?

They enable bacteria to utilize various sugars or substrates present in the environment.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What happens when tryptophan binds to the repressor in the trp operon?

It activates the repressor, allowing the repressor-tryptophan complex to bind to the operator and block transcription.

p.11
Transduction Processes

What happens when the resulting virus infects another bacterium?

It passes the bacterial DNA along with its own DNA into the new host cell.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

What is the end product of binary fission?

Two identical daughter cells.

p.11
Transduction Processes

Why is the process called 'specialized' transduction?

Because the DNA transferred is usually the same set of genes located near the prophage on the bacterial chromosome.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What occurs when glucose concentration is low?

cAMP level increases, binds to CAP, and enhances RNA polymerase binding to the lac promoter.

p.10
Transduction Processes

What are the two types of transduction?

Generalised transduction and specialised transduction.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the origin of replication in a typical bacterial chromosome called?

ori C.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What term replaced 'glucose repression' when it was unclear whether glucose or its catabolite was responsible?

Catabolite repression.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

What enzyme helps remove positive supercoiling during DNA replication?

DNA gyrase.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What happens when heat-killed IIIS strain is mixed with live IIR strain?

The mouse dies, and its tissue contains living bacteria with smooth coats like IIIS.

p.4
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the size range of plasmids?

From 1 kb to 300 kb.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

How do bacteria reproduce?

Asexually via binary fission.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What type of mRNA do operons produce?

Polycistronic mRNA, which contains genetic information for multiple polypeptides.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

How does polycistronic mRNA differ from eukaryotic mRNA?

Eukaryotic mRNA is monocistronic, coding for only one polypeptide.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the role of the cAMP-CAP complex?

It binds to the CAP binding site at the lac promoter, enhancing RNA polymerase binding and increasing gene expression.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What is the function of the operator in an operon?

It acts as a molecular switch to control the access of RNA polymerase to the genes.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What enzyme is often used as an indication of lac operon expression?

β-galactosidase.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is a loop domain in a bacterial chromosome?

A loop consisting of about 100,000 base pairs.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What binds the loop domains in a bacterial chromosome?

A central protein scaffold attached to the cell membrane.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

How does transformation occur in bacteria?

The non-virulent cell takes up foreign DNA containing the allele for virulence.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What process incorporates the foreign gene into the bacterial chromosome?

Genetic recombination.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

Where is the bacterial chromosome located?

In the nucleoid region of the cell.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What occurs in the recipient cell after receiving TDNA?

It serves as a template for synthesizing a complementary strand, forming a double stranded structure.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What role does tryptophan play when its concentration is high in the trp operon?

It acts as a co-repressor to turn off transcription.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the effect of glucose on the expression of the lac operon?

Glucose must be absent for maximal expression of the lac operon.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is a characteristic of the lac operon in the absence of lactose?

It is 'leaky', meaning a small amount of enzymes for lactose metabolism is still synthesized.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

Why is glucose preferred over lactose by bacteria?

Glucose is a monosaccharide that can be used directly for respiration, while lactose must be hydrolyzed first.

p.10
Transduction Processes

How does a phage utilize the host bacterium during generalised transduction?

It uses the host’s protein synthesising mechanisms to synthesize its own proteins and DNA.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What is the significance of the Griffith experiment in 1928?

It demonstrated that bacteria can take up DNA from the environment.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What enzyme does lacZ code for?

β-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What does lacA code for?

Galactoside transacetylase, an enzyme needed in lactose metabolism.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What role does the promoter play in the lac operon?

It controls the transcription of all three structural genes.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the function of the operator in the lac operon?

Acts as a molecular switch, turning on and off the transcription of genes.

p.13
Operon Structure and Function

What is an operon?

A group of genes that code for proteins/enzymes involved in a single metabolic pathway, controlled by a single promoter.

p.13
Operon Structure and Function

What are the regulatory regions of an operon?

The promoter and the operator.

p.23
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What is the benefit of not synthesizing unnecessary enzymes?

It prevents wastage of energy and resources.

p.4
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What are R-factors?

Plasmids that typically have genes coding for antibiotic resistance.

p.10
Transduction Processes

What is transduction in bacteria?

The transfer of bacterial DNA from one cell to another by means of a bacteriophage.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What is vertical transmission in prokaryotes?

The transfer of genes from mother to daughter cells during cell division, often involving mutations in parental DNA.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

What are the enzymes coded by the structural genes in the trp operon classified as?

Repressible enzymes.

p.6
Binary Fission Mechanism

What is formed as new cell wall layers are secreted during division?

The cell is divided into two smaller, identical cells.

p.3
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

Do bacterial genes contain introns?

No, genes are not interrupted by introns.

p.15
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What is the main difference between structural and regulatory genes?

Structural genes code for proteins, while regulatory genes control the expression of structural genes.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the function of CAP in the regulation of the lac operon?

CAP binds to DNA and increases the rate of transcription of the lac operon.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is catabolite repression in the context of the lac operon?

It refers to the repression of lac operon expression in the presence of glucose, allowing bacteria to preferentially use glucose.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What does the regulatory gene trpR code for?

A repressor protein which is inactive.

p.6
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

How does genetic recombination contribute to bacterial diversity?

It adds more diversity to a population beyond what mutations provide.

p.6
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What happens during DNA replication to prevent tangling?

Enzymes cut, twirl, and reseal the double helix.

p.6
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

How is one new strand made during DNA replication?

Discontinuously in the direction back towards the origin at each replication fork.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What are the changes in a prokaryotic cell due to transformation?

The genotype and phenotype are altered by the uptake of foreign DNA.

p.15
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What happens in negative control of an operon?

The genes in the operon are switched off by the active form of the repressor protein.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What are R plasmids?

Plasmids that carry genes coding for enzymes that confer resistance to antibiotics.

p.6
Binary Fission Mechanism

How do the circular DNA strands separate during cell division?

Each circular DNA strand, still attached to the cell membrane, separates as the cell elongates.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What is transformation in bacteria?

The uptake of a foreign DNA molecule by a bacterial cell from the surrounding environment.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

Who discovered the trp operon?

J. Monod and colleagues in 1953.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

How does DNA replication occur during binary fission?

In a semi-conservative manner, bidirectionally.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What are the three methods of horizontal gene transfer?

Transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What occurs when allolactose binds to the repressor?

The repressor undergoes a conformational change, preventing it from binding to the operator, allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe the genes.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What are the components of the trp operon?

A promoter, an operator, and five structural genes (trp E, trp D, trp C, trp B, and trp A).

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What did Griffith conclude about the transforming factor?

A transforming factor from the S strain converted the non-virulent R strain into the virulent S strain.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What is artificial transformation?

The process of making bacterial cells competent using calcium ions and heat shock or electric shock.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

Why is the gelatinous coat important for the virulent strain in Griffith's experiment?

It prevents the mouse’s immune system from inhibiting the proliferation of the bacteria.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What is one application of transformation in genetic engineering?

Introducing DNA fragments containing specific genes, such as the insulin gene, into bacterial cells.

p.13
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens when lactose is present in bacteria?

It can result in the expression of genes that encode enzymes involved in breaking it down, exemplified by the lac operon.

p.23
Lac Operon Mechanism

Which operon responds to the presence of lactose?

The lac operon.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

Why does RNA polymerase bind inefficiently to the lac operon promoter?

Because even in the presence of high lactose concentration, the synthesis of the 3 enzymes is low.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to E. coli when both glucose and lactose are present?

E. coli will utilize glucose first before starting to utilize lactose.

p.10
Transduction Processes

What characterizes generalised transduction?

Any gene from the bacterial host cell can be transferred to the recipient cell.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

How is foreign DNA incorporated into a bacterial chromosome?

Via genetic recombination.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to cAMP levels when glucose is present?

cAMP levels are low because glucose transport inhibits adenyl cyclase.

p.6
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What causes some offspring bacteria to differ slightly in genetic make-up?

Spontaneous mutations such as insertions, deletions, and base-pair substitutions.

p.7
Genetic Variation in Prokaryotes

What does the growth of numerous colonies from mixed E. coli strains indicate?

That genetic recombination has occurred, as cells acquired missing genes from the other strain.

p.18
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is the significance of the diauxic growth curve in E. coli?

It shows the sequential utilization of glucose followed by lactose in a medium containing both.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What did McCarty identify as the transforming factor in Griffith's experiment?

DNA.

p.3
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What effect does supercoiling have on gene expression in bacteria?

The specific supercoiling of a region can affect the ability of the cell to express genes in that region.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the diameter of the unfolded chromosome from E. coli?

430 μm.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the nucleoid region?

The non-staining region in the interior of the cytoplasm of the bacterial cell.

p.4
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is unique about the replication of plasmids?

They can undergo DNA replication independently of chromosomal DNA.

p.22
Trp Operon Regulation

Why can't RNA polymerase bind to the promoter in the presence of high tryptophan?

Because the repressor protein is bound to the operator.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to the lac operon when lactose is absent?

The active repressor binds to the operator, blocking RNA polymerase and preventing transcription of structural genes.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What type of operon is the trp operon in E. coli?

It is a repressible system of gene regulation.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

What role does the promoter play in an operon?

It is where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

p.17
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is allolactose and its function in the lac operon?

Allolactose is an isomer of lactose that acts as an inducer by binding to the repressor, preventing it from blocking transcription.

p.21
Trp Operon Regulation

What happens when tryptophan levels are high?

It can inhibit the first enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway and block transcription of the genes for these enzymes.

p.14
Operon Structure and Function

How can the active repressor protein be inactivated?

By the binding of a specific molecule that changes its shape.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to the lac operon in the presence of lactose and absence of glucose?

The operon is activated.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What constitutes a bacterial genome?

A bacterial chromosome and plasmids.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What is the structure of a bacterial chromosome?

It is made up of a single circular DNA molecule associated with non-histone proteins.

p.15
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What defines the type of control an operon is under?

The response of the operon to specific regulatory proteins, such as repressor and activator proteins.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

How do prokaryotes respond to environmental signals?

By using the presence of specific nutrients to quickly adjust gene expression.

p.19
Lac Operon Mechanism

When is maximal expression of the lac operon achieved?

In the absence of glucose and presence of lactose.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What are the two strains of Pneumococcus bacteria mentioned in Griffith's experiment?

Virulent IIIS strain and non-virulent IIR rough strain.

p.3
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

How many loops is a bacterial chromosome typically folded into?

About 50 loops.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What happens to the lac operon in the presence of glucose and absence of lactose?

The operon is repressed.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What determines a bacterium's ability to serve as a donor in conjugation?

The presence of the F plasmid, which contains the F factor.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What is gene regulation?

The control of whether a gene is expressed and the level of its expression.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

Why do cells not express all their genes at once?

To avoid wasting resources and energy on synthesizing proteins/enzymes that are not required.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

How does gene regulation help microorganisms?

It allows them to respond rapidly to changes in the environment.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

What factors does the lac operon respond to?

Lactose and glucose concentrations in the environment.

p.10
Transduction Processes

What happens towards the end of the phage lytic cycle in generalised transduction?

Fragments of the host’s degraded DNA or an entire plasmid can be packaged into new phage particles.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What is conjugation in bacteria?

The direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells that are in contact.

p.15
Operon Structure and Function

How do inducible operons function?

They are usually turned off but can be induced to turn on in response to a specific molecule.

p.15
Lac Operon Mechanism

What is an example of an inducible operon?

The lac operon, which is induced in the presence of lactose.

p.15
Operon Structure and Function

How do repressible operons function?

They are usually turned on but can be turned off in response to a specific molecule.

p.15
Trp Operon Regulation

What is an example of a repressible operon?

The trp operon, which is repressed in the presence of tryptophan.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

What type of DNA is found in the bacterial chromosome?

Double-stranded 'naked' DNA not associated with histones.

p.2
Prokaryotic Genome Structure

How many base pairs does the bacterial chromosome typically have?

About 5 million base pairs.

p.20
Lac Operon Mechanism

What does the lac operon primarily regulate?

The metabolism of lactose.

p.5
Binary Fission Mechanism

How are plasmids replicated during binary fission?

At the same time and in the same way as the bacterial chromosome.

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What are inducers and repressors in prokaryotic gene regulation?

They are signals that help turn genes on or off in response to environmental cues.

p.15
Operon Structure and Function

Can an operon be under both negative and positive control?

Yes, an operon like the lac operon can be under both types of control.

p.8
Transformation in Bacteria

What strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae did Griffith use in his experiment?

A virulent smooth strain (S) and a non-virulent rough strain (R).

p.13
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What does gene expression refer to?

The transcription and translation of a gene into a functional product.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What are the two types of bacterial strains involved in conjugation?

F+ strain (donor) and F- strain (recipient).

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What is the F factor?

A special piece of DNA that determines the ability to serve as a donor, consisting of about 25 genes.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What role do sex pili play in conjugation?

They act like a grappling hook to draw two bacteria together for DNA transfer.

p.9
Transformation in Bacteria

What are the effects of the different treatments on mice in Griffith's experiment?

1. Live non-virulent rough strain (R) - mouse lives; 2. Live virulent smooth strain (S) - mouse dies; 3. Heat-killed virulent smooth strain (S) - mouse lives; 4. Live non-virulent rough strain (R) and heat-killed virulent smooth strain (S) - mouse dies.

p.16
Lac Operon Mechanism

How does the lac repressor affect transcription?

When bound to the operator, it prevents RNA polymerase from binding, thus blocking transcription.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What is TDNA?

The single stranded DNA that is exported to the recipient during conjugation.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

How do R plasmids relate to conjugation?

They can transfer their genes to other bacteria by conjugation, similar to F plasmids.

p.12
Conjugation and Plasmids

What happens to the DNA of the F factor during conjugation?

It is nicked at the origin of transfer, resulting in the separation of one DNA strand (TDNA) for transfer.

p.15
Gene Expression Regulation in Prokaryotes

What happens in positive control of an operon?

The genes are expressed only when an active form of an activator is present.

Study Smarter, Not Harder
Study Smarter, Not Harder