CIVE / CBE 540

Microbiology Basics Part II

Sybil Sharvelle
Thinking Question

How are enzymes formed by microganisms?

RNA
RNA converts genetic code into working
proteins Enables decoding of information
Without destruction of DNA

rRNA indicates which tRNA should

enter the ribosome to supply specific
amino acid
Enzymes

rRNA contains code for making enzymes

Enzymes are proteins which catalyze biological reactions
Molecular weight 103 - 106
Speed up rate of reactions
Energy yielding
Cell building
Highly specific
Each enzyme catalyzes only a specific type of chemical reaction
Class of closely related reactions
Precise three dimensional structure
Lock and key fit
Enzyme-Substrate Interaction

Scan p. 120
Computer generated model of
enzyme
Enzymes

Typically named by adding -ase to a root that is

either the reaction catalyzed or substrate
transformed
Dehydrogenase removes 2 hydrogen atoms from a
molecule
Hydroxylase removes 2 electrons and inserts an OH
group
RNA converts genetic code to
working proteins
Transcription

Code in one strand of DNA used as template to

form complementary single strand of RNA
1. RNA polymerase binds to one strand of DNA at
genes promoter region (35 bases)
Repressor proteins block regions where proteins are
not needed
2. Separation of DNA strand and RNA moves along
strand in 3 to 5 direction
 Transcription

3. Polymerase links complementary base to RNA

DNA RNA
A U RNA contains uracil (U), no
T A thymine (T)
G C
C G

4. DNA strand closes together

5. RNA breaks away, contains termination
sequence
Transcription

Source: http://rmt.bethsampson.com/2011/03/12/sd/
mRNA is formed
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
Amino Acid
tRNA
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
rRNA indicates which tRNA should enter the
ribosome to supply specific amino acid
Starting with AUG, ribosome reads the mRNA
code three bases at a time
Finds matching tRNA and binds codon and anticodon
Covalently link amino acids into chain (Translation)

Source:
http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/basic_genetics___cell_biol
ogy/401/reading_instructions/561
Ribosomes Translation into Protein

Ribosomes contain rRNA function genes

Why are they referred to as functional genes?
Review
Regulation
Classification
Phenotype

Classification based on morphology / behavior

Trophic Classification (Food Source)
Phototrophs vs. Chemotrophs
Autrotroph (inorganic carbon) vs. Heterotroph (organic
carbon)
Extremophiles
Methanogens
Sulfate-reducers
Denitrifiers
Anaerobic vs aerobic
Phenotype Classification
Phylogenetic Classification

Systematic ordering of species into larger

groupings based on inheritable genetic trates
 Prokaryotes

Lineal distance from one species to another quantifies genetic difference

16S rRNA
Chromosomes too large, rRNA
has 1500 base pairs

Enough genetic diversity to distinguish,

Mostly conserved (Fig. 1.38 in text)
Thinking Question

How are enzymes formed by microganisms?