The R Plasmid - Print this and bring it to
Chapter 9 lecture
Here is an important reason to be aware of bacterial genetics. Bacteria can transfer important genetic
information horizontally, that is from one to another. This is very different from the way humans
transfer genetic information - vertically, that is from generation to generation. The R plasmid pictured
can confer resistance to one important disinfectant and four important antibiotics into a bacterial
recipient, in a manner similar to the F+ by F- cross outlined in class. This can happen in a very short
time, and is the nightmare scenario in hospitals and nursing homes. Don't help the bacteria make this
happen! Wash your hands from patient to patient, and be careful about what goes from room to room!
You can stop the spread of the R plasmid!!!