Textbook Question
If you put a gene in a virus, the next step in genetic modification would be
a. insertion of a plasmid.
b. transformation.
c. transduction.
d. PCR.
e. Southern blotting.
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16. Microbial Genetics
Bacterial Transformation
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the process of transformation in bacteria?
A
Transfer of genetic material between bacteria via direct cell-to-cell contact
B
Transfer of genetic material by a bacteriophage
C
Uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell
D
Replication of bacterial DNA during cell division
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that transformation in bacteria refers to the process by which a bacterial cell takes up free, naked DNA fragments from its surrounding environment.
Recognize that this process is different from conjugation, which involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA transfer, and transduction, which involves transfer of DNA via bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria).
Recall that during transformation, the DNA taken up can integrate into the bacterial genome, potentially providing new genetic traits to the recipient cell.
Note that replication of bacterial DNA during cell division is a separate process related to bacterial growth and reproduction, not transformation.
Therefore, the best description of transformation is the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.
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