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Microbial Evolution Is in the Cards: Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Classroom

As humans produce new compounds and release them into the environment, bacteria are presented with a vast array of unique carbon sources. Some of these compounds are easily degraded by metabolic pathways that already exist. Others linger in the environment, with the necessary metabolic tools for their degradation apparently unavailable (Alexander, 1999; Seffernick & Wackett, 2001). Over time, however, some of these lingering compounds begin to disappear (Alexander, 1999; Seffernick & Wackett, 2001). What event triggers this apparently sudden onset of degradation? One hypothesis is that the exchange of genetic material between bacteria allows for new metabolic pathways to be assembled, resulting in the ability to exploit unique carbon sources (van der Meer et al., 1998; Wackett & Hershberger, 2001). This exchange of genetic material, called horizontal gene transfer, passes genes that encode the enzymes necessary for the metabolism of compounds from a donor bacterium to a recipient bacterium with a different genetic background. It is from this new combination of genes that the ability to degrade novel compounds can emerge (van der Meer et al., 1998). Horizontal gene transfer is not only implicated in the evolution of metabolic pathways. The resistance plasmids (R plasmids) are genetic elements that replicate independently of the chromosome, can be transferred from one bacterium to another, and carry resistance to multiple antibiotics (Madigan et al., 2000). The R plasmid R100, for example, carries genes conferring resistance to sulfonamides, streptomycin, spectinomycin, fusidic acid, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and mercury and can be transferred between many of the enteric bacteria (Madigan et al., 2000). Horizontal gene transfer can also lead to the acquisition of pathogenicity islands, large clusters of genes required for pathogen virulence. One such example is Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. Two pathogenicity islands are required for full virulence of V cholera. Both are encoded in the genetic material of bacterial viruses that can be passed from virulent V. cholera to avirulent V. cholera (Karaolis et al., 1999), thus spreading the virulent phenotype. This game-based activity models horizontal gene transfer in action and illustrates some of its main concepts, acting as a starting point for discussion. This activity was originally developed as an introductory microbiology classroom activity to demonstrate the assembly of novel metabolic pathways via horizontal gene transfer in the environment. The activity consists of a simple card game with the objective of assembling a complete degradation pathway in your hand of cards. A discussion of concepts demonstrated and questions raised follows the completion of the game. Students will gain from this activity: * a better understanding of evolution by horizontal gene transfer * an exposure to metabolic pathways and their variety * insight into the more dynamic aspects of bacterial life. Materials & Methods Overview The objective of this game is to assemble a functional degradation pathway of a target compound to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. There is one deck of cards that represents the compounds to be degraded and a second deck of cards that represents portions of degradative pathways. The trading of the pathway cards by students represents the exchange of genetic material that occurs during horizontal gene transfer. A winning hand occurs when a student holds a complete pathway in his/ her hand for the degradation of the chosen compound. The assembled pathway must outline the degradation of the target compound all the way to the point at which its metabolites can enter the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the central catabolic pathway of life, thereby becoming a useful carbon and/or energy source. Preparation This activity requires the preparation of two decks of self-made cards: a pathway deck (about 40 cards) and a compounds deck (about a dozen). …