F-

Introduction

F is an allele that is present in various bacterial species and is an important factor associated with bacterial fertility. It was named so due to the fact that an increase in the number of F alleles is associated with an increase in bacterial fertility.

Description

In bacteria, there are two types of genes associated with fertility: R+, which usually encodes resistance to various antibiotics, and R-, associated with the virulence of microorganisms and their ability to survive outside the host. However, there are also certain genes that affect bacterial fertility indirectly, but lead to favorable conditions for bacterial growth. One of these genes is the F gene, which affects the ability of bacteria to survive in unfavorable conditions. This gene is associated with the reproductive system of bacteria, namely, it is responsible for the release of proteins necessary for the connection of bacterial germ cells. The F gene functions in cells that reproduce by dividing in two (or binary fission).

Each bacterium has only one copy of the F gene, called the F operator. When division occurs, the operator is located in one of the two daughter cells, depending on chance and the presence of additional genetic material in the cell. In a situation where both daughter cells possess a copy of the F gene, DNA replication occurs, then fusion occurs, and finally one daughter cell divides, forming two new cells with two copies of the F gene each. This leads to a state where each daughter bacterium consists of one copy of the F gene. Since the number of F genes can be represented by either two copies, bacteria with one copy of the F gene may be found in a population of bacteria, which have the opportunity to become dominant under favorable conditions . The fertility of these bacteria is significantly higher than that of bacteria with two copies of F genes. It is these bacteria that can grow, displacing other species in the process of evolution.

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