Microbiology · BEGINNER LESSON
Transduction
Transduction is the transfer of bacterial genetic material from one cell to another through a virus particle called a bacteriophage. It is measured by whether DNA from a donor bacterium ends up in a recipient cell after the phage infects both cells.
What transduction is
Transduction is a way genetic material moves between bacteria using a virus particle rather than direct cell-to-cell contact. A bacteriophage, or phage, is a virus that infects bacteria. In transduction, the phage carries bacterial DNA from a donor cell and delivers it to a recipient cell, where that DNA can be incorporated into the recipient genome or otherwise create a transductant, meaning a cell that has received transferred genetic material. This process was first recognized as a genetic exchange mechanism in bacteria and later became a practical tool for studying and manipulating microbial genes.
[2] Classic Spotlight: the Discovery of Bacterial Transduction - PMC [3] transduction (prokaryotes)
How the transfer happens
Phages infect bacteria and use the cell as a host to make more virus particles. During that cycle, a phage can accidentally package bacterial DNA, or in some cases capture bacterial DNA in a natural step of its life cycle. When the resulting transducing particle infects another bacterium, it can deliver that DNA into the new cell. The sources also describe two main patterns: generalized transduction, where nearly any part of the donor genome may be moved, and specialized transduction, where only particular nearby DNA segments are transferred.
[1] A common trick for transferring bacterial DNA [3] transduction (prokaryotes)
What scientists observe and measure
Scientists detect transduction by asking whether donor traits or donor DNA appear in recipient cells after exposure to phage particles. Classic experiments showed that transfer could happen without direct cell-to-cell contact, because a filter blocking bacteria still allowed the transferable agent to pass. The evidence also showed that the active agent behaved like a bacteriophage particle. In modern work, the frequency of transduction can be measured and compared across mechanisms; one report described a natural mode of transduction occurring about 1000-fold more often than earlier observations.
[2] Classic Spotlight: the Discovery of Bacterial Transduction - PMC [1] A common trick for transferring bacterial DNA
Limitations and context
Transduction does not move all bacterial DNA in every case. Generalized and specialized transduction differ in how much and which DNA is moved, and the process depends on phage infection. Historically it was thought to be rare and caused by phage mistakes, but later evidence showed that some forms are a normal part of the phage life cycle. The sources also note that transduction is useful for research, yet its biology varies across bacterial species and phages, so the outcome depends on the specific system being studied.
[1] A common trick for transferring bacterial DNA [2] Classic Spotlight: the Discovery of Bacterial Transduction - PMC [3] transduction (prokaryotes)
SEE THE IDEA
How transduction moves bacterial DNA
Contains the bacterial DNA that may be picked up by a phage
Virus particle that infects bacteria and can carry donor DNA
New host cell that receives the transferred DNA
Recipient after donor DNA has been delivered and may be incorporated
A phage picks up bacterial DNA from a donor cell, infects a recipient cell, and delivers that DNA to the new host.
A simple route for virus-mediated DNA transfer between bacteria.
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Sources and further reading
This general lesson was generated from public source material. It explains a concept; it does not interpret a private paper or provide medical advice.