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MCAT Biology > The Cell > Flashcards

Flashcards in The Cell Deck (10)
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1
Q

Chemotaxis

A

The ability of a cell to detect chemical stimuli and move toward or away from it.

2
Q

Episomes

A

A subset of plasmids that are capable of integrating into the genome of the bacteria.

3
Q

Bacterial Transformation

A

The integration of foreign genetic material into the host genome.

4
Q

Bacterial Conjugation

A

The bacterial form of mating (sexual reproduction). Involves two cells forming a conjugation bridge between them that allows for the transfer of genetic material.

The transfer is unidirectional from the donor male (+) to the recipient female (-) across the conjugation bridge.

5
Q

Hfr (High Frequency of Recombination)

A

Refers to bacterial cells that have undergone conjugation (sexual transmission of DNA).

6
Q

Transduction

A

The only genetic recombination process that requires a vector - a virus that carries genetic material from one bacterium to another. When a bacteriophage infects another bacterium, it can release this trapped DNA into the new host cell. This transferred DNA can then integrate into the genome, giving the new host additional genes.

7
Q

Transposons

A

Genetic elements capable of inserting and removing themselves from the genome. If a transposon is inserted within a coding region of a gene, that gene may be disrupted.

8
Q

Binary Fission

A

Process by which bacteria reproduce.

This implies that all of the bacteria are exactly the same in a local colony (assuming no mutations or genetic recombination).

9
Q

The Four Phases of Bacterial Growth

A

Lag Phase: adaptation to new environment.

Exponential Phase (Log Phase): exponential increase in the number of bacteria in a colony.

Stationary Phase: result of the reduction of resources, which slows reproduction.

Death Phase: after bacteria have exceeded the ability of the environment to support the number of bacteria.

10
Q

Bacteriophages

A

Viruses that specifically target bacteria.