Question

If an insertion sequence (IS element) was located on the E. coli genome half-way around the circle from an integrated copy of the F plasmid, how long would it take for the insertion sequence to transfer to the recipient cell?

Answer 1

The time it takes for an insertion sequence (IS element) to transfer to a recipient cell depends on various factors, including the length of the IS element, the presence of certain genes, and the location of the recipient cell relative to the integration site of the F plasmid. The transfer of the entire E. coli genome through conjugation takes about 100 minutes in an Hfr strain.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an insertion sequence (IS element) is located on the E. coli genome half-way around the circle from an integrated copy of the F plasmid, the time it takes for the insertion sequence to transfer to the recipient cell depends on several factors:

• The length of the IS element, which can vary from about 750 to 1425 bp (base pairs).
• The presence of transposase and resolvase genes within the IS element, as these genes are necessary for mobility.
• The location of the recipient cell relative to the integration site of the F plasmid.

Without more specific information, it is difficult to provide an exact timeframe for the transfer of the IS element. However, it is important to note that the transfer of the entire E. coli genome (4.6 Mbp) through conjugation takes approximately 100 minutes in an Hfr strain of E. coli.