Bacteria change genetically through mutation and by exchanging DNA by transformation, transduction and conjugation.
Mutation rates are about 10^-9 to 10^-10 per base per division, but huge populations produce much variation. Horizontal transfer brings new genes. Regulation through operons.
Mutations and gene transfer create diversity. Genes are often organised in operons. Whole-genome sequencing reveals pathogen evolution.
Key idea: bacteria swap genes even between species.
Bacteria change genetically through mutation and by exchanging DNA by transformation, transduction and conjugation.
Bacterial Genetics is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Conjugation, Transformation and Transduction, Binary Fission.
Griffith's 1928 experiment showed transformation of harmless pneumococcus into virulent form.
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Bacterial Genetics. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Bacterial Genetics are Conjugation, Transformation and Transduction, Binary Fission, Plasmids. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Bacterial Genetics. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
Bacterial Genetics: Bacteria change genetically through mutation and by exchanging DNA by transformation, transduction and conjugation. Conjugation: Direct transfer of DNA, such as a plasmid, between bacterial cells through a pilus. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Conjugation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Direct transfer of DNA, such as a plasmid, between bacterial cells through a pilus.
🦠 MicrobiologyUptake of free DNA from the surroundings, or transfer of DNA between bacteria by bacteriophages.
🦠 MicrobiologyAsexual reproduction in which a bacterial cell copies its DNA and splits into two identical cells.
🦠 MicrobiologySmall circular DNA molecules in bacteria that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance.
🦠 Microbiology