I. MICROBIAL GENETICS

G. Genetic Recombination in Bacteria

1. An Overview

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THIS SECTION

---

Genetic Recombination in Bacteria (def)

Genetic recombination is the transfer of DNA from one organism to another. The transferred donor DNA may then be integrated into the recipient's nucleoid by various mechanisms.

In the case of homologous recombination (def), homologous DNA sequences having nearly the same nucleotide sequences are exchanged by means of molecules called Rec A proteins. This involves breakage and reunion of paired DNA segments as seen in (see Fig. 1).

Natural mechanisms of genetic recombination in bacteria include:

a. transformation
b. transduction
c. conjungation

We will also briefly look at recombinant DNA technology.

• QUIZ YOURSELF ON THIS SECTION
• RETURN TO UNIT 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Doc Kaiser's Microbiology Home Page
Copyright © Gary E. Kaiser
All Rights Reserved
Updated: July 12, 2006
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser