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Prokaryote Reproduction and Gene Exchange definitions Flashcards

Prokaryote Reproduction and Gene Exchange definitions
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  • Prokaryotes
    Single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus, reproducing asexually via binary fission, and capable of genetic variation through mutation, transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
  • Exponential Phase
    A rapid bacterial growth period where cells divide exponentially, doubling in number at a constant rate, given optimal conditions and nutrients.
  • Binary Fission
    Asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells, enabling rapid population growth.
  • Daughter Cells
    Cells produced from the division of a single parent cell, each inheriting an identical set of genetic material.
  • Chromosome
    A structure within cells that contains tightly coiled DNA, carrying genetic information essential for growth, development, and reproduction.
  • Plasmids
    Circular DNA molecules in bacteria that replicate independently of chromosomal DNA, often carrying genes for antibiotic resistance or other traits, and can be transferred between cells.
  • Mutation
    A change in the DNA sequence of an organism, often occurring during replication, leading to genetic variation and potentially impacting evolution.
  • Transformation
    The process by which a prokaryotic cell incorporates external DNA from its environment into its own genome, leading to genetic variation.
  • Exogenous DNA
    DNA originating from outside the cell, which can be taken up and incorporated into the cell's genome, leading to genetic variation.
  • Transduction
    The process by which a virus transfers genetic material from one bacterium to another, leading to genetic variation.
  • Bacteriophage
    A virus that infects bacteria, injecting its DNA into the host, which can lead to the transfer of genetic material between bacteria through a process called transduction.
  • Conjugation
    Direct transfer of genetic material between two physically connected bacterial cells via a pilus, involving an F plasmid or F factor, enabling genetic variation.
  • Pilus
    A hair-like appendage on the surface of bacteria used to connect cells during conjugation for the transfer of genetic material.
  • F Plasmid
    A genetic element in bacteria enabling direct DNA transfer between cells via conjugation, often carrying genes for pilus formation and sometimes integrating into the host chromosome.
  • R Plasmid
    A plasmid carrying genes that provide resistance to antibiotics, which can be transferred between bacteria through conjugation, transformation, or transduction.