Bacteria can take up foreign DNA in a process called transformation. Transformation is a key step in DNA cloning. It occurs after restriction digest and ligation and transfers newly made plasmids to bacteria.

Physical methods such as electroporation or microinjection actually pokes holes in the cell membrane so DNA can be introduced directly into the cell. Microinjection requires the use of a fine needle to deliver nucleic acids to individual cells.

Horizontal gene transfer also known as lateral gene transfer is the process by which an organism incorporates genetic material from another organism without mating.

Conjugation is the transfer of circular DNA called plasmids through cell to cell contact. Transformation is the uptake of ‘free’ DNA from the environment. Transduction is the transfer of DNA by bacteria-specific viruses called bacteriophage.

In transduction, DNA is accidentally moved from one bacterium to another by a virus. In conjugation, DNA is transferred between bacteria through a tube between cells. Transposable elements are chunks of DNA that “jump” from one place to another.

Answer: The microscopic image shown in the figure is a coccus.

Definitions of cocci. noun. any spherical or nearly spherical bacteria. synonyms: coccus.

noun, singular: gram-positive coccus. A group of spherical bacteria that retains the violet stain following gram staining. Supplement. Gram staining is a useful method for the rapid identification of bacterial species, especially those that are causing disease.

Most infections due to Gram-positive organisms can be treated with quite a small number of antibiotics. Penicillin, cloxacillin, and erythromycin should be enough to cover 90 per cent of Gram-positive infections.

However, it is known that given the right circumstances, even if the staph infection arises from organisms present on one’s body, if another person has direct contact with the infectious staph bacteria and has a break in the skin or mucous membranes, the organisms and potentially the disease can be contagious.

The origin of these organisms is most probably the vaginal and cervical flora. BSI with anaerobic gram-positive cocci and microaerophilic streptococci often is associated with septic abortion. Anaerobic gram-positive cocci generally are found along with Prevotella species.

In two clinical trials of HAP due to Gram-positive pathogens, particularly MRSA, treatment with telavancin achieved higher cure rates in patients with monomicrobial Staphylococcus aureus infection and cure rates comparable to vancomycin in patients with MRSA infection [96].

MRSA refers to particular strains of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that are resistant to methicillin. S. aureus is common and frequently present in or on human skin.

Some Gram-positive bacteria cause disease….Gram-positive cocci cause certain infections, including the following:

• Pneumococcal infections.
• Staphylococcal aureus infections.
• Streptococcal infections.
• Toxic shock syndrome.

Hans Christian Gram developed the staining method in 1884. The staining method uses crystal violet dye, which is retained by the thick peptidoglycan cell wall found in gram-positive organisms. This reaction gives gram-positive organisms a blue color when viewed under a microscope.

Gram-positive bacteria, those species with peptidoglycan outer layers, are easier to kill – their thick peptidoglycan layer absorbs antibiotics and cleaning products easily.