Integron facts for kids

An integron is a special part of a bacterium's DNA that can move around. It's like a tiny, mobile tool inside bacteria that helps them share important genes. One of its most important jobs is to help bacteria become resistant to antibiotics very quickly. Integrons can be found in small circles of DNA called plasmids, or directly in the bacterium's main chromosome. While they are famous for spreading antibiotic resistance, integrons can also transfer other useful traits between bacteria.

What are Integrons?

Integrons are a type of mobile genetic element. This means they are pieces of DNA that can move from one place to another within a genome, or even between different bacteria. They have two main parts that work together.

Gene Cassettes: The Building Blocks

Integrons work by "capturing" small pieces of DNA called gene cassettes. Imagine these cassettes as tiny packages, each usually holding just one gene. This gene often contains the instructions for making something useful, like an enzyme that can break down an antibiotic. Each cassette also has a special "address" or signal that tells the integron where to put it.

How Integrons Capture Genes

The first part of an integron is a special gene that makes an enzyme. This enzyme acts like a molecular "catcher" that finds and picks up gene cassettes. The second part is a specific spot on the bacterium's DNA where these captured cassettes are inserted. This spot also has a "promoter," which is like a switch that turns on the genes inside the cassettes, making them work.

Integrons can exist even when they haven't captured any cassettes yet. Once they do, the cassettes become part of the integron. These cassettes can be inserted, removed, or even transferred to other bacteria through a process called horizontal gene transfer. This is how bacteria can quickly share new abilities, like resistance to medicines.

Why Integrons are Important

Integrons play a big role in how bacteria adapt and survive. Because they can easily pick up and share genes, they are a major reason why antibiotic resistance has become such a big problem around the world. When bacteria share genes for resistance, it means that antibiotics that used to work might not be effective anymore.

Integrons show how clever bacteria are at changing and sharing information to help them live in different environments.

See also

In Spanish: Integrón para niños