Rickettsia bacteria always lives as parasites inside eukaryotic cells, ad their genomes are much smaller then those of free living bacteria. Organisms that live only as parasites often have reduced genomes compared to the free living relatives. How could a parasitic lyfestyle contribute to a reduction in genome size?

Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Chapter20: Phylogenies And The History Of Life
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 13RQ: Particles that transfer genetic material from one species to another, especially in marine...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Rickettsia bacteria always lives as parasites inside eukaryotic cells, ad their genomes are much smaller then those of free living bacteria. Organisms that live only as parasites often have reduced genomes compared to the free living relatives. How could a parasitic lyfestyle contribute to a reduction in genome size?

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Bacterial genomics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax