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Question

Bacteria are prokaryotes. As such, they do not undergo sexual reproduction. If a single bacterium has a mutation, it will pass that along to the daughter cells when it undergoes asexual reproduction, also known as "binary fission."

Here is the question... Can one bacterium insert its DNA into another bacterium? If so, how does this happen? If this does happen, can you think of any implications for antibiotic resistance problems?

Answer 1

Yes, one bacterium can indeed insert its DNA into another bacterium through a process called horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Unlike vertical gene transfer, which occurs during asexual reproduction (like binary fission), HGT allows bacteria to exchange genetic material with other bacteria, including those of different species. There are three main mechanisms for HGT: transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

1. Transformation: In this process, a bacterium can take up free-floating DNA from its environment, which may have originated from lysed (broken down) bacteria. If the exterior DNA integrates into the recipient bacterium’s genome, it can confer new traits.

2. Transduction: This method involves bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). When a bacteriophage infects a bacterium, it can inadvertently incorporate part of the bacterial DNA into its own genome. When it goes on to infect another bacterium, it can transfer that DNA, allowing for the introduction of new genetic material.

3. Conjugation: This is a direct transfer of DNA between two bacteria that are temporarily joined. It usually occurs through a structure called a pilus—a bridge-like appendage. One bacterium (the donor) transfers genetic material, often in the form of a plasmid (a circular piece of DNA), to another bacterium (the recipient).

The implications of these processes for antibiotic resistance are significant. When one bacterium acquires a gene that gives it resistance to an antibiotic—whether through transformation, transduction, or conjugation—it can then share this resistance gene with other bacteria. This can lead to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance within bacterial populations, making it increasingly challenging to treat infections.

For example, if a bacterium that has developed resistance to penicillin can use conjugation to transfer that resistance gene to a neighboring bacterium, the latter now becomes resistant as well. This has serious public health implications, as infections caused by resistant strains are harder to treat, often requiring stronger, more expensive antibiotics, and can lead to longer hospital stays and higher medical costs. The ability of bacteria to share resistance genes contributes to the global issue of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for prudent antibiotic use and ongoing research into new therapies.