Q10TYU - Campbell Biology

Question

Explain how the small size and rapid reproduction rate of bacteria(such as the population shown here on the tip of a pin) contribute to their large population sizes and high genetic variation.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Bacteria are microorganisms that can grow in every condition. They possess a small size which allows them to uptake nutrients from the environment at a high rate. Small size gives them a large surface area due to which they gain nutrients from the environment easily and reproduce quickly. 

 

Genetic changes can occur in bacteria in many ways, such as mutation and gene transfer. Gene transfer includes three steps that are conjugation, transformation, and transduction. 

Step 1: Bacteria

Bacteria are microorganisms that fall in the category of prokaryotic organisms. They do not contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and well-defined nucleus. 

Step 2: Mutation

Mutation implies the process in which sudden change in the genetic material of an organism occurs. Mutation can lead to the formation of bacteria with new characteristics. It can also lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. 

Step 3: Gene transfer

It is the process by which new genetic material is introduced into the cell of bacteria. 

 

The process involved is conjugation (the process by which bacterial cells form close contact and exchange their genetic material), transformation (genetic material is taken by bacteria from the environment), and transduction (Bacteriophage introduces DNA in bacteria).