phase variable

简明释义

相变量

英英释义

A phase variable refers to a characteristic of certain microorganisms, particularly bacteria, that allows them to switch between different phenotypic states or expressions, often in response to environmental changes.

相位变量指的是某些微生物(特别是细菌)的特征,这使它们能够在不同的表型状态或表现之间切换,通常是对环境变化的响应。

例句

1.The study focused on the phase variable 相位可变性 mechanisms that allow bacteria to change their antigenic properties.

该研究集中在允许细菌改变其抗原特性的phase variable 相位可变性机制上。

2.Understanding how phase variable 相位可变性 systems work is crucial for developing new vaccines.

理解phase variable 相位可变性系统的工作原理对于开发新疫苗至关重要。

3.The phase variable 相位可变性 nature of certain genes can lead to rapid adaptation in microbial populations.

某些基因的phase variable 相位可变性特性可以导致微生物群体的快速适应。

4.In genetic studies, researchers often investigate phase variable 相位可变性 genes to understand their role in pathogenicity.

在基因研究中,研究人员常常调查phase variable 相位可变性基因,以了解它们在致病性中的作用。

5.The bacteria can switch their surface proteins using a mechanism called phase variable 相位可变性, allowing them to evade the host's immune system.

细菌可以通过一种称为phase variable 相位可变性的机制切换其表面蛋白,从而逃避宿主的免疫系统。

作文

In the study of genetics and microbiology, the term phase variable refers to a phenomenon where certain genes can be turned on or off, resulting in different phenotypic expressions. This dynamic regulation allows organisms, particularly bacteria, to adapt quickly to changing environments. For example, some bacterial species can alter their surface proteins through phase variable mechanisms, which helps them evade the host's immune system. This ability to change is crucial for survival, especially in hostile conditions where competition for resources is fierce.The concept of phase variable genes is fascinating because it illustrates the complexity of genetic regulation. Unlike static genes that have a fixed expression, phase variable genes can switch states, leading to a diverse range of characteristics within a single species. This variability can be beneficial for populations, as it increases their chances of surviving environmental changes. One classic example of phase variable genes is seen in the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea. This pathogen employs phase variable mechanisms to modify its pili, hair-like structures that allow it to adhere to host tissues. By changing the expression of these pili, the bacterium can avoid detection by the immune system, making infections harder to treat. Moreover, the study of phase variable genes has broader implications beyond microbiology. Understanding how these genes function can provide insights into evolutionary processes and the development of antibiotic resistance. As bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics, they often rely on phase variable strategies to survive treatment. This highlights the importance of ongoing research in this field, as it may lead to new therapeutic approaches that can effectively combat resistant strains.In addition to their role in pathogenicity, phase variable genes also play a significant part in symbiotic relationships. Some beneficial bacteria utilize phase variable mechanisms to enhance their interactions with host organisms. By adjusting their surface characteristics, these bacteria can optimize their benefits to the host, such as improving nutrient absorption or providing protection against harmful microbes. The implications of phase variable genes extend into biotechnology as well. Scientists are exploring ways to harness these mechanisms for practical applications, such as developing vaccines that can adapt to various strains of pathogens. By understanding how to manipulate phase variable genes, researchers could create more effective vaccines that provide broader protection against infectious diseases.In conclusion, the concept of phase variable genes is a remarkable example of nature's ingenuity. These genes allow organisms to thrive in ever-changing environments by providing the flexibility to adapt. Whether in the context of pathogenic bacteria, beneficial symbionts, or biotechnological advancements, phase variable mechanisms are essential for understanding the complexities of life at the molecular level. Continued research in this area promises to unveil further mysteries of genetic regulation and its impact on health and disease.

在遗传学和微生物学研究中,短语phase variable指的是某些基因可以被开启或关闭,从而导致不同的表型表现的现象。这种动态调节使得生物体,特别是细菌,能够快速适应不断变化的环境。例如,一些细菌物种可以通过phase variable机制改变其表面蛋白质,这有助于它们逃避宿主的免疫系统。这种变化能力对于生存至关重要,尤其是在资源竞争激烈的恶劣条件下。phase variable基因的概念令人着迷,因为它展示了基因调控的复杂性。与具有固定表达的静态基因不同,phase variable基因可以切换状态,导致同一物种内特征的多样化。这种变异对种群是有利的,因为它增加了它们在环境变化中的生存机会。一个经典的phase variable基因示例出现在引起淋病的细菌Neisseria gonorrhoeae中。这种病原体利用phase variable机制修改其菌毛,这是一种允许其附着在宿主组织上的类毛结构。通过改变这些菌毛的表达,细菌可以避免免疫系统的检测,使感染更难治疗。此外,phase variable基因的研究在微生物学之外也有更广泛的意义。理解这些基因如何运作可以为进化过程和抗生素耐药性的形成提供见解。随着细菌进化以抵抗抗生素,它们通常依赖于phase variable策略来生存。这突显了在这一领域进行持续研究的重要性,因为这可能导致新的治疗方法,有效对抗耐药菌株。除了在致病性中的作用外,phase variable基因在共生关系中也扮演着重要角色。一些有益的细菌利用phase variable机制增强与宿主生物的相互作用。通过调整其表面特征,这些细菌可以优化其对宿主的益处,例如改善营养吸收或提供对有害微生物的保护。phase variable基因的影响还扩展到生物技术领域。科学家们正在探索利用这些机制进行实际应用的方法,例如开发能够适应各种病原体菌株的疫苗。通过理解如何操纵phase variable基因,研究人员可以创造出更有效的疫苗,为传染病提供更广泛的保护。总之,phase variable基因的概念是自然聪明才智的非凡例证。这些基因使生物体能够在不断变化的环境中生存,提供了适应的灵活性。无论是在致病细菌、益生共生体还是生物技术进步的背景下,phase variable机制对于理解分子层面生命的复杂性至关重要。在这一领域的持续研究有望揭示基因调控及其对健康和疾病影响的更多奥秘。

相关单词

phase

phase详解:怎么读、什么意思、用法

variable

variable详解:怎么读、什么意思、用法