Prokaryotic Cell Structure: Plasmids and Transposons

Learning Objectives for "Prokaryotic Cell Structure: Plasmids and Transposons"

After completing this section you should be able to perform the following objectives.

1. Describe plasmids and indicate their possible benefit to bacteria.

2. State the function of the following:

a. transposons

b. integrons

c. episome

d. conjugative plasmid

3. State the most common way plasmids are transmitted from one bacterium to another.

4. Define horizontal gene transfer.

Think-Pair-Share Questions

In your genetics review exam you learned that F+ plasmids code for the ability to produce a conjugation pilus.

State what medically significant event might occur if a transposon located in the nucleoid of a normal flora intestinal bacterium and containing genes for antibiotic resistance were to cut out of the bacterium’s nucleoid and insert into its F+ plasmid.

RETURN TO "PROKARYOTIC CELL STRUCTURE: PLASMIDS AND TRANSPOSONS"