Genetics & Regulation
This enzyme transcribes DNA into mRNA
RNA polymerase
Soil and mud, inner guts of certain animals, and deep sea hydrothermal vents are all examples of environments where only this type of organism could survive
anaerobe
A relationship where one individual benefits at the expense of the other
E. coli's favorite carbon source
glucose
This RNA-protein complex translates mRNA into amino acids
Ribosome
Organisms that obtain energy from sunlight
phototroph
A relationship where both/ all individuals have a net benefit
Mutualism
The sequential stages of growth when E. coli is grown on glucose and lactose together
Diauxic shift/ diauxic growth
The sequence of DNA upstream of a gene that serves as a site for binding of molecules involved in transcription
promoter
organisms that obtain carbon from complex organic substances
heterotroph
A relationship where one individual benefits while the other neither benefits nor harms
Commensalism
Encoded by lacI, this molecule sits on the operator and blocks RNA polymerase
repressor
The process by which information encoded in a gene directs the assembly of a protein
gene expression
Oxidation of compounds to produce energy, often resulting in the release of carbon dioxide
respiration
Although bacteria are single-celled, they are often naturally found in this type of "sticky" community structure
Biofilm
In the absence of glucose, cAMP can bind to CRP and allow it to act as this type of molecule to enhance RNA polymerase activity
activator
E. coli has 1500-2000 of these, that allow for a single mRNA to yield multiple proteins and coordinate expression of multiple genes
operon
A metabolic process that (incompletely) extracts energy from organic compounds in the absence of oxygen
fermentation
These molecules can be produced by a variety of microorganisms to promote infection and disease, aid in predation, and/or enhance competition
toxin
Transcription of the lac operon is induced by this specific analog of lactose
allolactose