How does the genotype of a bacterium determine its phenotype? Use the terms gene, mRNA, ribosome, and polypeptide in your answer.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the gene within the bacterium's DNA that codes for a specific trait.
2. Understand that the gene is transcribed into mRNA in a process called transcription.
3. The mRNA is then transported to the ribosome, the site of protein synthesis.
4. At the ribosome, the mRNA is translated into a polypeptide chain, which is a sequence of amino acids.
5. The polypeptide folds into a functional protein, which contributes to the bacterium's phenotype.

Key Concepts

Gene

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for synthesizing proteins. It serves as the basic unit of heredity and determines specific traits in an organism. In bacteria, genes can influence characteristics such as antibiotic resistance or metabolic capabilities, directly impacting the organism's phenotype.

mRNA

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that is transcribed from DNA and carries the genetic information needed for protein synthesis. It serves as a template for ribosomes during translation, where the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is converted into a specific polypeptide chain, ultimately determining the phenotype of the bacterium.

Ribosome and Polypeptide

Ribosomes are cellular structures that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. They read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. The specific proteins produced influence the bacterium's phenotype, affecting traits such as growth, metabolism, and response to environmental changes.