How Do Bacteria Change?
Bacteria must replicate their genetic material each time that they divide, and each time they replicate their DNA mistakes are made and the DNA sequence is subtly changed. These changes are called mutations and as a result of mutation, each bacterium, although superficially identical to its siblings, is unique. In addition to replication errors, bacteria also exchange genes with other bacteria. Some bacteria have genes that permit them to transfer copies of their DNA directly into other bacteria in a process called conjugation. Other bacteria have mechanisms (transformation) to salvage DNA that has been released from other damaged bacteria. Viruses can also infect bacteria and transfer pieces of bacterial DNA during the infection (transduction) of new bacteria. document.getElementById(‘adsense_placeholder_2’).innerHTML = document.getElementById(‘adsense_ad_2_hidden’).innerHTML; Through conjugation, transformation and transduction, foreign DNA can enter a bacterium and natural repair sy
