Question

Scientists recently discovered a ubiquitous bacterial species that appears to have rapidly acquired the ability to produce a toxin very similar to botulinum. How could a bacterium undergo such a rapid genetic change? From an evolutionary standpoint, what advantage would this new capability (botulinum) potentially confer on the bacterium?

Answer 1

Genetic exchanges among bacteria occur by several mechanisms. In transformation, the recipient bacterium takes up extracellular donor DNA. In transduction, donor DNA packaged in a bacteriophage infects the recipient bacterium. In conjugation, the donor bacterium transfers DNA to the recipient by mating.
Clostridium botulinum is found in soil and untreated water throughout the world. It produces spores that survive in improperly preserved or canned food, where they produce a toxin. When eaten, even tiny amounts of this toxin can lead to severe poisoning.Botulinum toxin type A is well tolerated in the treatment of chronic pain disorders