Question

What is meant by the term cotransformation?

A) Cotransformation occurs when several linked genes are transformed simultaneously.
B) A cell can pick up more than one F factor.
C) An F cell can become F+ several times in a life cycle.
D) More than one phage infects a bacterial cell.
E) Several pieces of DNA can form heteroduplexes in a cell.

Answer 1

Cotransformation is the simultaneous transformation of several linked genes in a bacterial cell. It occurs when a plasmid integrates into the bacterial chromosome and carries adjacent chromosomal DNA. During conjugation between an Hfr cell and an F- cell, multiple genes can be transferred together.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cotransformation refers to the process in which several linked genes are transformed simultaneously in a bacterial cell. It occurs when a plasmid, such as the F-plasmid, integrates into the bacterial chromosome and carries along adjacent chromosomal DNA.

When conjugation occurs between an Hfr cell (a cell with an integrated F-plasmid) and an F- cell, multiple genes can be transferred together, resulting in cotransformation.