Gene cassette
Gene Cassette
A Gene Cassette (pronounced: /dʒiːn kæˈset/) is a type of mobile genetic element that contains a gene and a recombination site. The term is derived from the Greek word "genea" meaning "generation" or "race" and the French word "cassette" meaning "little box".
Definition
A gene cassette typically consists of a promoter-less gene and a recombination site known as an attC site. Gene cassettes can exist as free circular DNA molecules or can be integrated into an integron via site-specific recombination at the attC site.
Function
Gene cassettes are known to carry antibiotic resistance genes and are a major cause of the spread of multi-drug resistance in bacteria. They can be transferred between bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which includes transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
Related Terms
- Integron: A genetic unit consisting of a gene and a recombination site that can capture and express gene cassettes.
- Promoter: A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.
- Recombination: The process by which genetic material is physically rearranged in DNA.
- attC site: A recombination site in a gene cassette.
- Antibiotic resistance: The ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.
- Horizontal gene transfer: The transfer of genes between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gene cassette
- Wikipedia's article - Gene cassette
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