INTEGRON Meaning and
Definition
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Integron is a term used in microbiology to describe a genetic element found commonly in bacterial genomes. It is essentially a mobile DNA sequence that can capture, express, and transfer multiple genes known as gene cassettes. An integron consists of three main components: the integrase gene, the recombination site, and the embedded gene cassettes.
The integrase gene encodes for the integrase enzyme, which is responsible for catalyzing the site-specific recombination process that captures and incorporates gene cassettes. The recombination site, also known as the attI site, acts as the attachment point for these gene cassettes. This site facilitates the integration of specific gene cassettes into the integron structure.
The gene cassettes are small, independent DNA fragments that contain functional genes, such as antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, or other adaptive genes. These cassettes can be acquired by the integron through horizontal gene transfer from other bacteria or through spontaneous mutations within the genome of the same bacterium.
Integrons play a significant role in the evolution of bacteria by allowing the acquisition and expression of new genes, especially those that provide selective advantages to the organism. This genetic plasticity conferred by integrons contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance and makes bacteria more adaptable to new environments.
In summary, an integron is a genetic element found in bacteria that acts as a molecular platform for the capture, expression, and transfer of multiple genes, known as gene cassettes. It is an essential factor in bacterial adaptability and contributes to the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Common Misspellings for INTEGRON
- integrkn
- integron
- integr9n
- integroin
- integrion
- integrn
- integrin
- integrmn
- untegron
- jntegron
- kntegron
- ontegron
- 9ntegron
- 8ntegron
- ibtegron
- imtegron
- ijtegron
- ihtegron
- inregron
- infegron
Etymology of INTEGRON
The word "integron" was coined by French microbiologist Didier Mazel in 1998. It is derived from the Latin word "integer", meaning "complete" or "whole". Mazel chose this term because integrons are genetic elements capable of capturing and incorporating various small DNA fragments, allowing them to maintain a complete and diverse set of genes.
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