Give a current explanation of Griffith's observations. Do you think that the process of transformation is strictly a laboratory phenomenon, or where do you think that it might occur in nature. From what you know about cell wall and membrane structure in bacteria explain the problem a DNA molecule would encounter during uptake if the transformation process were to occur. Explain the overall molecular events, emphasizing the differences, in natural transformation in Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Compare the lytic and lysogenic life cycles of bacteriophages.
Transduction is a widespread phenomenon in bacteria.
Describe this process, relate it to lysogeny, and indicate its importance in the bacterial world. In Staphylococcus, the TCR genes are born on the chromosome which has several restriction sites for EcoR1 but none within the genetic region coding for tetracycline resistance. In E. coli SMR, the genetic information for streptomycin resistance is contained on the SMR plasmid which has only one restriction site for EcoRl, and this is not within the region coding for streptomycin resistance. E. coli SMR is nonconjugative and cannot be transformed. In your discussion consider also the media you would use to selectively isolate the recombinant.