Identify and explain two mechanisms of HGT (horizontal gene transmission) relative to the transfer of antibiotic resistance between strains or species of bacteria. You have just discovered a new antibiotic. This antibiotic is a small organic molecule that dissolves in a cytoplasmic membrane then "ferries" protons (H+) back and forth across the membrane. The antibiotic releases the H+'s on whichever side of the membrane the concentration is lower, until ultimately the proton concentration across the membrane reaches equilibrium. What is the name of the gradient that this antibiotic is destroying? What processes will be immediately affected in organisms grown in the presence of this antibiotic? What processes would be affected eventually (before the cell dies)?
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Two mechanisms of HGT (horizontal gene transmission) relative to the transfer of antibiotic resistance between strains or species of bacteria are: a. **Conjugation**: This is a process where bacteria exchange genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact. Show more…
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What is Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)? a. the proposal that eukaryotes developed a nucleus first, and then their mitochondrion b. the transmission of genetic material from one species to another through mechanisms other than from parent to offspring c. the fusion of two prokaryotic genomes d. the division of kingdom in the taxonomic classification
The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a source of much concern in many medical circles. You may recall that we used this as an example of a modern case of evolution by natural selection when we discussed evolution in class. One interesting aspect of this process is that while bacteria reproduce asexually there are multiple examples of horizontal gene transfer introducing antibiotic resistance to populations of bacteria. 14a. Briefly explain what is meant by the phrase "horizontal gene transfer". 14b. Now think about what you know about bacteria and bacterial reproduction – what mechanisms do they have that could allow for horizontal gene transfer in these organisms that reproduce asexually? (hint: we talked about 3 main mechanisms in class – just name those here) 14c. Now imagine a hospital setting where horizontal gene transfer has occurred in bacteria present in the hospital. Pick one of the mechanisms from 14b. above and describe how it could account for this transfer. (hint: just explain in general how the process could accomplish the transfer. You don't need to describe the molecular events in detail or anything like that.)
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