1. Define genome. Explain how understanding of the genome of Streptomyces coelicolor could help us deal with the problem of antibiotic resistance. What is MRSA and why do we care? What else might the genome of S. coelicolor teach us?
2. Compare the genetic engineering to genetic recombination. Define GMOs and genomics.
3. Contrast vertical and horizontal transfer of prokaryote genes. List the four conditions for successful horizontal transfer of DNA.
4. Describe transformation and the experiments of
5. Describe the process of conjugation in bacteria. Tell what is special about the F+ cell and how it differs from the F- cell. Is the original F+ cell still an F+ cell after conjugation and why or why not? Compare the F factor to the R factor. What might be the role of conjugation in antibiotic resistance? Although the mechanism for transferring all or part of the bacterial chromosome is discussed, you will not be tested on the material. You may, however, find it interesting to compare the illustrations of F+ and Hfr transfers in Figure 8.6.
6. Transposons are genes that can move from one location to another. Review MicroFocus 8.3 to review how conjugation and “jumping genes” lead to a problem for a dialysis patient. Define VRSA and tell why it is significant. Tell exactly what happened to create the problem.
7. Explain the role of the virus in transduction. Compare and describe lytic & lysogenic cycles, virulent & temperate phages, and generalized & specialized transduction. Why do we care?
8. Summarize the pieces of research of Berg, Boyer and Cohen that permitted scientists to develop the process of genetic engineering. Include in your discussion endonucleases, restriction enzymes, ligases and chimeras.
9. Describe the process by which a bacterium can be reengineered to produce a specific protein.
10. Name several products of generic engineering and discuss their importance in modern living.
11. Define gene sequencing and tell why we might benefit from understanding bacterial genomes.
Visit http://microbiology.jbpub.com/8e/index.cfm and take the quiz that accompanies this chapter.