Bacterial Genetics

Dr. P. K. Rajesh. M.D, M.BA

Preclinical Coordinator
FOM, AIMST

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 Lecture 16: Bacterial Genetics
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lecture are to
• introduce the basic principles of molecular biology
• describe the bacterial extra chromosomal genetic
elements (plasmids, episomes, transposons)
• define mutation and categorize the various types of
mutation.
• describe the genetic mechanisms of transfer of drug
resistance (Transformation, Transduction,
Conjugation)
• Explain the effects of mutation and genetic transfer
(Lysogenic conversion, Transfer factors (F, Col,
RTF), Genotypic and Phenotypic variations)

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 Learning outcomes
At the end of this lecture, student should be able to:
• compare and contrast between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic genetics.
• illustrate a bacterial cell and its extra
chromosomal genetic elements.
• relate the bacterial genetic transfer and
mutation mechanisms to drug resistance.
• compare and contrast between mutational and
transferable drug resistance. (will be
reinforced in Lecture 41/42)
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 BACTERIAL DNA
• A single circular double stranded DNA
• Length 1000 micrometre or 1µm
When straightened (expressed as kilo
base, around 4000 kb)
• Super coiled like a thread to accommodate
within the bacterial cell
Notes on BG PKR.doc

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Extrachromosomal genetic elements
PLASMIDS

EPISOME*
(Integrated exogenote)

TRANSPOSONS

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Plasmid/ episome

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Plasmids

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Transposons

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Transposons-moving part of DNA

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 ?Question time?

10% of road accidents are due to drunken driving.

Which makes it a logical statement that
90% of accidents are due to driving without drinking!

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 Mutation
Generally
Random
undirected, heritable variation
+,- or substitution of bases
Missense,Nonsense,Transversion
Bacteriologically
Supressor, lethal, conditional
Mutagens
Drug resistance*
Live vaccines**
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
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 Transmission of genetic material
Transformation
Transduction
Lysogenic conversion
Conjugation
Transfer factors
F, Col, RTF
Drug resistance

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 ?Question time?

Only 20 percent boys have brains, rest

have girlfriends!

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Lytic

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-Sex pili-For your eyes/ears only

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Conjugation

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 Drug resistance
Mutational Transferable
Resistance to one drug at a time
Low degree of resistance
High dosage overcomes resistance
Combination of drugs overcomes
No spread of resistance
Mutants metabolically defective
Mutants have Low virulence
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
Multiple drugs at the same time
High degree of resistance
High dosage cannot overcome
Combination cannot overcome
Resistance spreads
Bacteria Metabolically active
No loss of Virulence
 Uses of Molecular biology

PCR
RFLP
MICROARRAY

DIAGNOSTICS
RESEARCH

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 MOLECULAR

Universal PCR

Genus-species-identified

Drug resistant gene identified

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
 Self study
1) General principles of bacterial recombination-SSM?
2) Mechanisms of drug resistance-Intrinsic and Extrinsic
(Lecture 41/42)
3) Antibiotic sensitivity testing (Element 6 practical and
lecture 41)
4) Bacteriophage (prophage) and transduction
Suggested reading/References
1) Clinical Microbiology made ridiculously simple-
Edition 2 Mark Galdwin
2) Prescott-Microbiology-5th Edition
3) The links attached to this PPT
Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
(B14)-Vote for Human or Microbe?

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Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D
A comparative study on the antimicrobial activity of meropenem and other
antimicrobials-original article
The 2007 Annual Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance
NFID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

References
1) Lynda R.Wiseman, Antona J.Wagstaff, Rex N.Brogden and Harriet M.Bryson.
Meropenem, A review of its antibacterial activity, Pharmacokinetic Properties and
Clinical Efficacy. Drugs 50 (1): 73-101, 1995
2) J.S.Bradley, J.Garau, H.Lode et al. International Journal of Antimicrobial agents 11 (1999) 93-100
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highly influenced by…..

Dr.P.K.Rajesh.M.D