Question

What is the role of the F‑factor in conjugation? a.It allows auxotrophic bacterial cells to survive on minimal medium so that conjugation can occur. b.It contains genes necessary for the formation of the pilus. c.It contains genes that force recombination between the donor and recipient chromosomes. d.It degrades the chromosome of the recipient cell after conjugation. It contains genes necessary for replication of the donor's F plasmid.

Answer 1

The F-factor contains genes important for the formation of the F pilus, necessary for bacterial conjugation, making option (b) the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of the F-factor, or fertility factor, in conjugation is crucial for the process of DNA transfer between bacterial cells. Option (b) 'It contains genes necessary for the formation of the pilus' is correct. The F plasmid encodes the proteins that make up the F pilus (or sex pilus), which facilitates the contact between the donor (F+) and recipient (F-) cells. This contact is necessary for the conjugation process, during which a cytoplasmic bridge forms and allows the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another.

Importantly, the F factor is also responsible for the replication of the donor's F plasmid, which ensures that the genetic information can be passed on to the recipient cell, transforming it into a new F+ cell capable of future conjugation events.

Answer 2

It contains genes necessary for the formation of the pilus

Step-by-step explanation:

During Conjugation genetic material is transferred from one bacterial cell (the donor) to another (the recipient) in contact. The pilli (singular. pilus) is the structure used to make contact.

The donor is termed F+, while the recipient is termed F-

The F factor contains genes for the formation of the pilus. The F factor is housed in the donor (F+).