The Use of Bergeys Manual as a Tool of Classification - Essay Example

Information that is available in a logically organized manner makes it easy to access and comprehend. There are several bacteria with different properties. Classifying bacteria help in the easy identification of the bacteria for studies or in other practical situations. (1).

3. Bacteroides and Escherichia are both gram-negative rods found in the large intestine. Why are they different sections of Bergey's Manual?
Though Bacteroides and escherichia are gram-negative bacteria with similar rod-like shapes, they are in different sections of Bergey’s Manual, because they belong to different species. Escherichia belongs to the facultative species, while Bacteroides belong to the anaerobic species. (2).

Chapter 13
1. Bacteriophages are used as vectors in genetic engineering to insert new genes into bacteria. Describe the process that makes this genetic recombination possible.
DNA cloning is the process used for this genetic recombination. This process involves isolating the DNA from the bacteriophages and then using restriction enzymes to cut the DNA into fragments called restriction fragments. The restriction fragments are then introduced into the bacteria. (1).
2. Compare and contrast the lytic cycle of infection of a DNA virus and an RNA virus.

A DNA virus on penetrating a host cell releases the viral genome from the capsid and using the host cell polymerases begins transcribing viral mRNA. New virions are then assembled and released through cell lysis or by budding off the cell membrane. Whereas the lytic cycle of an RNA virus is dependent on the polarity of the RNA and whether the genetic material is single-stranded or double-stranded. In the creation of their genomes, RNA viruses are very dependent on virally encoded RNA replicase (1).
3. Why was it previously believed that only DNA viruses could cause cancer? How can RNA viruses cause cancer?

Viruses cause tumors by changing cells through the integration of their genetic material with the DNA of the host cell. It was believed that only DNA viruses could cause cancer, as DNA viruses can directly insert their genetic material into the host cell's DNA. RNA viruses can also cause cancer by first transcribing their RNA to DNA and then inserting the genetic material into the host cell's DNA. (1). Read More