Summary:
Researchers have discovered the specific structure used by bacteria to transfer genetic material between one another. It is composed of two structures, one inside the inner membrane, and the other inside of the outer membrane, which are connected by stalks and form a structure resembling a pore. This discovery helps researchers to figure out how exactly bacteria can transfer genetic information, and holds the possibility of adapting this mechanism for use in other organisms, such as humans, to transfer beneficial DNA.
Relevance:
This research relates strongly to our bacteria unit, as it pertains to how specifically bacteria are capable of transferring genetic information. It also relates to how bacteria can spread their genes for resistance against specific antibiotics.
Source:
http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/unlocking-the-mechanism-used-by-bacteria-to-hack-other-bacteria
Is this structure found in all bacteria or only certain species? What do scientist plan to do with this new information?
ReplyDeletewho discovered this structure? what is the structure called?
ReplyDeleteThe structure is called a pilus, however I am unsure as to by whom it was discovered.
Delete