Transduction

Transduction is a process in genetics that involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, also known as a phage. This process can occur in two ways: generalized transduction and specialized transduction.

Generalized Transduction

In generalized transduction, any piece of the bacterial chromosome can be transferred to the recipient cell. This process begins when a phage infects the donor bacterium, leading to lysis of the bacterial cell and the release of new phage particles. During the assembly of these new phages, a piece of the bacterial chromosome may accidentally be packaged into a phage head instead of the phage DNA. This phage, carrying the bacterial DNA, can then infect another bacterium, transferring the DNA into the new host.

Specialized Transduction

Specialized transduction involves the transfer of specific portions of the bacterial chromosome. This occurs when a temperate phage integrates its DNA into the bacterial chromosome at a specific site. When the phage DNA is excised from the chromosome to enter the lytic cycle, it may carry with it adjacent bacterial genes. These genes can then be transferred to a new host cell when the phage infects it.

Significance

Transduction is significant in microbiology and genetics as it is one of the main methods of horizontal gene transfer, which increases genetic diversity among bacteria. It also has implications in medicine, as it can contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.

See Also

• Conjugation (genetics)
• Transformation (genetics)
• Bacteriophage
• Horizontal gene transfer

References

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