Final answer:
Bacteria have a fast doubling time, especially in optimal laboratory conditions, making them ideal for genetic studies. Their reproductive speed assists in rapid research involving genetic recombination, mutation rates, and effects of antibiotics. This knowledge contributes significantly to medical and agricultural sciences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that bacteria are used for genetic studies because of their fast doubling time is true. Bacteria like Escherichia coli can double in as little as 20 minutes under optimal laboratory conditions via binary fission. This rapid reproductive rate, along with their relatively simple genetics, makes them excellent models for genetic studies. Fast generation times enable quick research on genetic recombination, mutation rates, and the effects of antibiotics, which contribute to the understanding of bacterial evolution and the development of treatments for bacterial diseases in humans and plant pathogens. Understanding bacterial replication is also essential in producing recombinant DNA technology, which has vast applications in medicine and agriculture.