Conjugation in bacteria involves which of the following?

Conjugation in bacteria involves which of the following?

• A. Direct DNA transfer between bacteria via cell-to-cell contact and F or sex pili
• B. Transfer of DNA via bacteriophage
• C. Uptake of naked DNA from the environment
• D. DNA replication without transfer

Answer: (A)

Conjugation is direct DNA transfer between bacteria that requires cell-to-cell contact. The donor, carrying the F factor plasmid (F+), extends a sex pilus to the recipient (F−) and uses it to form a mating bridge through which DNA is transferred. Usually the F plasmid itself is passed, converting the recipient to F+. When the F factor is integrated into the chromosome (forming an Hfr cell), chromosomal genes can be transferred as well, allowing movement of additional genetic material from donor to recipient. This mechanism is distinct from transformation, which involves uptake of naked DNA from the environment, and from transduction, which uses bacteriophages to shuttle DNA.

Conjugation is direct DNA transfer between bacteria that requires cell-to-cell contact. The donor, carrying the F factor plasmid (F+), extends a sex pilus to the recipient (F−) and uses it to form a mating bridge through which DNA is transferred. Usually the F plasmid itself is passed, converting the recipient to F+. When the F factor is integrated into the chromosome (forming an Hfr cell), chromosomal genes can be transferred as well, allowing movement of additional genetic material from donor to recipient. This mechanism is distinct from transformation, which involves uptake of naked DNA from the environment, and from transduction, which uses bacteriophages to shuttle DNA.