MICB 201 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Relaxase, Random Encounter, Plasmid
Document Summary
Involves two living cells (unlike transformation and transduction) Must make cell-to-cell contact in order for genes to be transferred. At fusion joint is where the genes are transferred. Depending on the cell wall = different process for conjugation. The genes for conjugation (tra) are contained in the operon. The conjugative plasmid infects another bacteria (recipient cell). It"s using the donor to get into another cell (like a virus that uses host). random encounter between pilus and host. The pilus proteins are examples of tra proteins. Pilus retracts and pulls donor and recipient cells together. One strand of the plasmid is transferred into the recipient. When the donor transfer this strand, the strand will be copied so that a copy stays in the host. Catalyzes breaking of one of the strands of the plasmid (endonuclease activity) Breaks bonds within dna backbone and forms covalent bonds with the dna stand.
