Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition Transformation: naked DNA uptake by bacteria Transduction: bacterial DNA transferred by viruses (phage) Conjugation: Conjugation occurs by direct contact between two bacteria: plasmids form a mating bridge across the bacteria and DNA is exchanged, which can result in acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes by the recipient cell. Transposons are sequences of DNA that carry their own recombination enzymes that allow for transposition from one location to another; transposons can also carry antibiotic-resistance genes. Transformation: naked DNA is released on lysis of an organism and is taken up by another organism Transduction: In transduction, antibiotic-resistance genes are transferred from one bacterium to another by means of bacteriophages and can be integrated into the chromosome of the recipient c Note they are often inserted near phage/transposon genes or sites of TRNA -Genetic diversity: metabolic properties; virulence traits; antibiotic resistance Conjugation: DNA transfer between bacterial cells Furuya EY and Lowy F (2006) Nat Rev Microbiol. 4: 36–45.
Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition Selfish mechanisms result in genetic diversity Often confer properties of virulence, antibiotic resistance, or metabolic fitness May provide different characteristics Utilization of energy sources Acid tolerance Development of symbiosis Ability to cause disease Pathogenicity islands
Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition Lyse antibiotic resistant cells SDS + 60˚C Why are we using DNA that has an antibiotic resistant marker? How are we able to lyse the cells? DNA component with antibiotic resistance marker gets released
Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition Combine free DNA with cells sensitive to the antibiotic and plate on non-selective media +
Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition Plate transformed cells on plates selective for antibiotic resistance
Horizontal Gene Transfer: New Gene Acquisition DNA only: test that it is inert/not-alive StrS cells StrR cells 1 loopful StrS cells. Place 1 loopful DNA ON TOP of those cells 1 loopful StrS cells. THEN one loopful DNase THEN one loopful DNA b) StrS cells c) StrR cells d) StrS cells + DNA a) DNA only e) StrS cells + DNase + DNA