Question

Genetic exchange in bacteria follows one of three mechanisms (conjugation, transformation, and transduction). Which of the following is true regarding these three mechanisms?

1) Conjugation requires a special bacterial virus called a bacteriophage.
2) Transformation exchanges genetic material through direct interactions between two different bacteria.
3) Transduction involves a bacterium taking in genetic material found in the medium.
4) None of the above is a correct match

Answer 1

Conjugation involves direct transfer through a pilus, not a bacteriophage (Option 1). Transformation involves the uptake of external DNA, not direct interactions between bacteria (Option 2). Transduction involves bacteriophages, not direct uptake from the medium (Option 3). The correct statement is 4) None of the above is a correct match.

Step-by-step explanation:

Conjugation (Option 1) does not require a bacteriophage; it involves the direct transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through a physical connection called a pilus.

Transformation (Option 2) refers to the process where bacteria take up external fragments of DNA from their environment, not through direct interactions between two bacteria.

Transduction (Option 3) involves the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages, not a bacterium taking in material from the medium. Therefore, Option 3 accurately describes the process of transduction in bacterial genetic exchange.