Question

During generalized transduction, which of the following is true?

1) The host chromosome is degraded into randomly sized fragments.
2) Any DNA fragment of the appropriate size is packaged.
3) Any bacterial gene may be transferred to the subsequent host.
4) All of the choices are correct.

Answer 1

During generalized transduction, the host chromosome is degraded, any size-appropriate DNA fragment may be packaged, and any bacterial gene can be transferred, making all of the provided choices correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

During generalized transduction, which is a type of genetic recombination in bacteria, several events occur:

• The host chromosome is degraded into randomly sized fragments.
• Any DNA fragment of the appropriate size is packaged.
• Any bacterial gene may be transferred to the subsequent host.
• All of the choices are correct.

In sum, during generalized transduction, a bacteriophage can incidentally package fragments of the host's chromosomal DNA into its viral capsid instead of its own DNA. This mistakenly packaged host DNA can then be transferred to a new bacterial cell upon infection, potentially conferring new characteristics such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic capabilities to the recipient cell.