Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses

Bacterial Conjugation

Genetics

5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses

Bacterial Conjugation

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Problem 1b

Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻ perform or answer the following.
Which of these cells are donors? Which is the recipient?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the definitions of the bacterial types: F⁺ cells contain the F (fertility) plasmid, which allows them to form a pilus and transfer genetic material. Hfr (high-frequency recombination) cells have the F plasmid integrated into their chromosome, enabling them to transfer chromosomal genes during conjugation. F' cells have the F plasmid but also carry some chromosomal genes due to improper excision of the plasmid. F⁻ cells lack the F plasmid and cannot initiate conjugation.

Determine which cells are donors: F⁺, Hfr, and F' cells are considered donors because they have the ability to transfer genetic material to other cells. F⁺ cells transfer the F plasmid, Hfr cells transfer chromosomal genes, and F' cells transfer the F plasmid along with additional chromosomal genes.

Identify the recipient: F⁻ cells are recipients because they lack the F plasmid and cannot initiate conjugation. They can, however, receive genetic material from donor cells.

Summarize the roles: F⁺, Hfr, and F' cells are donors, while F⁻ cells are recipients in bacterial conjugation.

Conclude by noting the significance: The ability of these cells to act as donors or recipients is crucial for horizontal gene transfer, which contributes to genetic diversity and the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fertility Factor (F)

The fertility factor (F) is a plasmid that enables bacteria to initiate conjugation, a process of genetic exchange. Bacteria containing the F plasmid (F⁺) can act as donors, transferring genetic material to recipient cells. The presence of the F factor is crucial for determining the roles of bacterial cells in conjugation.

Hfr Strains

Hfr (high frequency of recombination) strains are bacteria where the F plasmid is integrated into the chromosomal DNA. These strains can donate chromosomal genes during conjugation, making them effective donors. The integration allows for the transfer of larger segments of genetic material compared to F⁺ cells.

F' Strains

F' (F prime) strains are derived from Hfr strains when the F plasmid excises from the chromosome, sometimes carrying adjacent chromosomal genes. These strains can also act as donors, transferring both the F plasmid and additional genes to recipient cells. In contrast, F⁻ cells lack the F plasmid and are always recipients in conjugation.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻, perform or answer the following.

Describe a "partial diploid" and how it originates.

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Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻, perform or answer the following.

Describe the results of conjugation (i.e., changes in the recipient and the exconjugant) that allow detection of the state of the F factor in a donor strain.

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Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻, perform or answer the following.

Which of these donors can transfer a donor gene to exconjugants?

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Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻ perform or answer the following.

Which of these donors can convert exconjugants to a donor state?

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Textbook Question

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻ perform or answer the following.

Describe the state of the F factor.

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Textbook Question

How do we know whether or not genetic recombination between bacteria involves cell-to-cell contact?

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Textbook Question

The flow diagram identifies relationships between bacterial strains in various F factor states. For each of the four arrows in the diagram, provide a description of the events involved in the transition.

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Textbook Question

Conjugation between an Hfr cell and an F⁻ cell does not usually result in conversion of exconjugants to the donor state. Occasionally, however, the result of this conjugation is two Hfr cells. Explain how this occurs.

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For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻ perform or answer the following. Which of these cells are donors? Which is the recipient?

Key Concepts

Fertility Factor (F)

Hfr Strains

F' Strains

Watch next

For bacteria that are F⁺, Hfr, F', and F⁻ perform or answer the following.
Which of these cells are donors? Which is the recipient?