Bacterial Adaptations: Structures and Genetics

This lecture covers the structural, functional, and genetic adaptations that contribute to the success of prokaryotes, including fimbriae for adhesion, capsules for protection, bacterial organization, flagella for propulsion, and the rapid reproduction through binary fission. It also discusses genetic diversity acquisition through competence/transformation, conjugation, and transduction, highlighting horizontal gene transfer as a key mechanism for antibiotic resistance spread. The lecture further explores bacterial conjugation mechanisms, such as F plasmid transfer and Hfr cell integration, emphasizing the importance of gene proximity for efficient transfer. Additionally, it delves into transduction, a gene transfer method mediated by bacteriophages, and concludes with a summary of why prokaryotes are successful, focusing on their metabolic diversity, genetic adaptability, and essential roles in the biosphere.