Molecular Koch’s postulates

Definition

Molecular Koch’s postulates are a set of criteria established to identify the specific genetic factors that contribute to a microorganism's ability to cause disease. They extend traditional Koch’s postulates by incorporating molecular biology techniques to study pathogenicity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molecular Koch’s postulates were proposed by Stanley Falkow in 1988.
2. They require the identification and manipulation of genes responsible for virulence in pathogens.
3. One key criterion is that disrupting the gene should reduce the pathogen's ability to cause disease.
4. Restoration of the gene should restore pathogenicity, confirming its role in virulence.
5. These postulates have been crucial in understanding microbial mechanisms at a genetic level.

Review Questions

• What year and by whom were Molecular Koch’s postulates proposed?
• What is required to confirm a gene's role in pathogen virulence according to Molecular Koch’s postulates?
• How do Molecular Koch’s postulates differ from traditional Koch’s postulates?

Related terms

Koch’s Postulates: A set of criteria developed by Robert Koch to establish a causative relationship between a microbe and a disease.

Virulence Factors: Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease.

Pathogenicity Islands: Distinct genetic regions in the genome of pathogenic organisms that contain clusters of genes for virulence.