You isolated two bacteria from soil that you assumed were different species since they have different properties - for example, one is resistant to several antibiotics and the other is not. However, upon sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of the isolates, you have discovered that they are the same genus and species. When you extract the total DNA from each and run a gel, you discover the resistant strain has a plasmid in addition to the primary Chromosome. a. How might this strain have acquired the plasmid? b. What is definitely encoded on the plasmid given the information provided? c. How could you use fluorescence microscopy to determine if other bacteria in your soil suspension are carrying the same plasmid? Be sure to comment on the type of fluorescent probe, how it will interact with your sample, and how you will distinguish cells harboring the plasmid from the rest of the population (what will it look like).
Bacterial Genomics
The study of the morphological, physiological, and evolutionary aspects of the bacterial genome is referred to as bacterial genomics. This subdisciplinary field aids in understanding how genes are assembled into genomes. Further, bacterial or microbial genomics has helped researchers in understanding the pathogenicity of bacteria and other microbes.
Transformation Experiment in Bacteria
In the discovery of genetic material, the experiment conducted by Frederick Griffith on Streptococcus pneumonia proved to be a stepping stone.
Plasmids and Vectors
The DNA molecule that exists in a circular shape and is smaller in size which is capable of its replication is called Plasmids. In other words, it is called extra-chromosomal plasmid DNA. Vectors are the molecule which is capable of carrying genetic material which can be transferred into another cell and further carry out replication and expression. Plasmids can act as vectors.
You isolated two bacteria from soil that you assumed were different species since they have different properties - for example, one is resistant to several antibiotics and the other is not. However, upon sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of the isolates, you have discovered that they are the same genus and species. When you extract the total DNA from each and run a gel, you discover the resistant strain has a plasmid in addition to the primary Chromosome.
a. How might this strain have acquired the plasmid?
b. What is definitely encoded on the plasmid given the information provided?
c. How could you use fluorescence microscopy to determine if other bacteria in your soil suspension are carrying the same plasmid? Be sure to comment on the type of fluorescent probe, how it will interact with your sample, and how you will distinguish cells harboring the plasmid from the rest of the population (what will it look like).
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