Microbial Genetics

R. Lia K. Iswara, Dr, MS, SpMK

Department of Microbiology
FK USU

GENETICS
1928 GRIFFITH - Dead bacteria could Transform living
1941 AVERY - Showed that the transforming agent was
DNA
1940's BEEDLE & TATUM - One gene, one enzyme
1950's WATSON & CRICK - Discovered the structure of
DNA and the structure enabled the discovery of the
functions of DNA
1950's McCLINTOCK - First showed the presence of
transposable genetic elements

Organization of genes
Gene: unit of heredity/ a segment of DNA
that carries in its nucleotide sequence
information for a specific biochemical or
physiologic property.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid):
Four bases : A-T , G=C
RNA (Ribonucleic acid) : U-T , G=C
Genome: totally of genetic information in
an organism
Mutation: genetic changes

DNA =
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Nucleotide components
1. Phosphate
2. Deoxyriboxe (a sugar)
and
3. Bases as follows:
a) adenine = A
b) guanine = G
c) cytosine = C
d) Thymine = T
DNA IS A DOUBLE HELIX

RNA=
Ribonucleic acid
Nucleotide components:
1. Phosphate
2. Ribose
3. Bases
a. Adenine = A
b. Guanine = G
c. Cytosine = C
d. URACIL = U and replaces
Thymine

Bacterial Genome:
Main Chomosome + Plasmid ( small
genetic elements capable of independent
replication)
Transposons : genetic element that
contain several kbp of DNA, including the
information necessary for their migration
from one genetic locus to another.

Bacterial genetics, mutations

and genetic transfer
STRUCTURE OF THE DNA (double helix,
bases, sugar and phosphate)
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS (RNA, transcription and
translation, expressed gene)
MUTATION (change in sequence of nucleotide
bases in DNA, AB resistance, mutagens,
carcinogens, radiation)
TRANSFER (occurs with cell division,
transformation, transduction)

What causes mutations?

1. Errors during REPLICATION
2. Mutagenic agents such as chemical
and physical agents

Mutation & Gene Rearrangement

1.
2.
3.
4.

Spontaneous mutation:
Base substitustions
Deletion
Insertions
Rearrangement

Why are mutations important?

Because the transfer of genetic material from a
donor into a recipient followed by recombination
is a source of genetic diversity that may result in:
resistance to antibiotics
(Drug Resistance - Chromosomal mutations and R
Plasmids)

increase in virulence
Recombination occurs after the transfer of
genetic material

DONOR DNA gets into the RECIPIENT in three ways

A. Transformation
B. Transduction
Life cycle of a lytic phage---->generalized transduction
Life cycle of a temperate phage---->specialized transduction
C. Conjugation
Transfer of F plasmid
Hfr and transfer of chromosomal genes

Transfer of DNA

Mechanisms of Recombination/Gene Transfer:

1. Conjugation: The DNA is physically transferred to the
recipient cell, pass a bridge between the cells.
(plasmid are genetic elements most frequently
transferred by conjugation).
2. Transduction: donor DNA is carried in a phage coat
and is transferred into the recipient by mechanism
used for phage infection.
3. Transformation: the direct uptake of donor DNA by the
recipient cell, may be natural or forced (induced in
the laboratory, fundamental to genetic engineering)

Plasmid

plasmid are genetic elements most

frequently transferred by conjugation.
Plasmid F (fertility)
Plasmid R (resistance)
Resistance plasmids = R plasmids made of
RTF(Resistance Tranfer Factor) and R
(Resistance) Genes

R plasmids are promiscuous

R plasmids are promiscuous

Klebsiella
E coli andSalmonella
Serratia
Shigella

THANK YOU