Bacteria is known for its constant evolution. These microorganisms evolve to resist antibiotics that are specifically made to kill them. Now that there are more and more antibiotic resistant strains, bacterial infections are getting more difficult to treat.So how do bacteria evolve so quickly and effectively? They do this by horizontal gene transfer, the bacterial equivalent of sex. Genetic data is obtained from distant relatives, as researchers found using a binocular compound microscope, thus allowing them to do new things. The new traits make them defend themselves against antibiotics, making them resistant and allow them to thrive.
The researchers, who involved scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany), Eötvös Lorànd University (Budapest) and the University of Manchester (UK) and headed by Dr Martin Lercher from the University of Bath meticulously reviewed the history of the bacterium E. coli to find out what metabolic genes it has acquired in over 100 million years. This experiment could not have been possible if it weren’t for high magnification technologies like the binocular compound microscope and digital photography. A systematic overview of E. coli’s family history was a challenging study in itself. This research was published in Nature Genetics.
The researchers concluded that about 25 of 900 metabolic genes of E. coli were indeed included into the family tree through horizontal gene transfer. To determine the reasons for these new metabolic genes, the researchers scrutinized various relatives of E.coli through a binocular compound microscope to see which genes were exchanged. By finding out the most common genes, it would mean that these genes would have been the majority contributor to the immense and complicated bacteria network. These genes would have helped bacteria cope with the harsh environments they are known to survive in. The new genes are quite significant in making new bacterial species resistant to most antibiotic therapies.The researchers also found that the new genes obtained by the bacteria does not make them improve whatever traits they previously had, but enables them to adapt and assimilate to new or varying surroundings. It will known for bacteria to thrive in very cold, very hot and moderate temperatures, in almost any kind of terrain or surface.
As bacteria feel the need to adapt to a new and ever evolving climate, they respond by essentially ‘stealing’ genetic material from others just like them, or bacteria that are better adapted, to improve their chances of survival.
This experiment is significant as it tries to further understand how bacteria evolve. If researchers have a better grasp on what they are dealing with, then the better the chances are of preventing the process, avoiding the production of drug resistant bacteria. As this happens, bacterial infections will be treated more successfully as they will respond to the antibiotics given. But for this to happen, further research need to be conducted. Researches remain optimistic about findings that are yet to be conducted. Bacteria have a way of evolving that leaves researchers astounded, fascinated, and most of the time, scratching their heads.