1 Sharing of genetic information Bacteria are successful because 1.They carefully regulate their use of energy in metabolic processes by shutting down unneeded pathways at the biochemical and genetic levels. 2.They share genetic information with other bacteria, increasing their ability to adapt to their environment.

Genetic Recombination Bacteria are asexual –With sexual reproduction, multiplication and gene recombination are linked. –In bacteria, they are separate –Bacteria acquire new DNA from mutation, phage infection, and transfer from other bacteria Bacterial genotypes are somewhat fluid –Due to the ease of gene transfer, many genes can be widely distributed among many bacteria –One multicomponent organism? 2

3 Gene transfer Ways that bacteria can acquire new genetic info –Transformation Taking up of “naked DNA” from solution –Transduction Transfer of DNA one to cell to another by a virus –Conjugation “Mating”: transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by direct contact.

Transformation 4 Both G+ and Gram – bacteria can take up DNA. Cells in a state in which they can take up DNA are referred to as competent. DNA may be actively released by some cells, suggesting that DNA exchange is “intentional”.

Transformation requires homologous recombination 5 New DNA must be similar. Successful transformation requires that donor and recipient be related.

Transduction: the vector is a virus New DNA brought by a bacteriophage –Requires donor and recipient be related Generalized transduction –Chopped up bacterial DNA is incorporated into a capsid –Phage binds to new host bacterium, but injects donor bacterial DNA instead Specialized transduction –In lysogeny, virus DNA inserts. –If DNA excises, can take adjacent bacterial DNA with it –Upon infection of new host, new bacterial DNA added –Important in bacterial evolution 6

7 Gene transfer between bacteria-2 Transduction: transfer of DNA via a virus.

Conjugation A plasmid that can be spread by conjugation codes for a sex pilus. Pilus attaches donor to recipient cell. –Shortening of pilus draws bacteria into contact –Channel opens thru cell wall of both bacteria Copy of plasmid sent. 8

Conjugation and gene transfer Sex pili bind specifically to surface molecules on bacteria –But many bacteria have similar molecules and can participate. Homologous recombination is not needed –Plasmids remain in cytoplasm –Once the plasmid has been copied and sent, both donor and recipient bacteria have the genes. Recipient can now be a donor. –Several types of plasmids, incl R, can be widely spread 9