What is an integron?
Q: What is an integron?
A: An integron is a type of transposon, which is a mobile genetic element. It is found in bacteria, and possibly more widely, and it is the way antibiotic resistance can be passed on quickly.
Q: Where are integrons typically found?
A: Integrons are typically found in plasmids and chromosomes.
Q: What was the first function discovered for integrons?
A: The first function discovered for integrons was antibiotic resistance.
Q: How do gene cassettes work with integrons?
A: Gene cassettes usually have only a single gene and a specific recombination site associated with them. They carry DNA coding for antibiotic resistance, which codes for an enzyme that cleaves (cuts) up the antibiotic molecule. The first part of an integron contains a gene that codes for an enzyme to capture cassettes, while the second part contains a site on the genome where they can be inserted as well as a promoter to drive expression of cassette-associated genes.
Q: What happens when no cassettes are present in an integron?
A: When no cassettes are present in an integron, it still describes such structures even without them being integrated into it.
Q: Can gene cassettes be cut out from within an integron?
A: Yes, gene cassettes can be cut out from within an integron if necessary.
Q: Is horizontal gene transfer possible withintegrons?
A Yes, horizontal gene transfer is possible withintegrons through the use of their integrated gene cassettes.
