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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about conjugation is true?
A
Transferring DNA between cells in conjugation requires a virus carrier.
B
The donor and recipient cell must be in direct contact (touching) to transfer DNA.
C
Conjugation can only occur between bacteria of the same species.
D
Conjugation can occur with or without a conjugative plasmid.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that bacterial conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer where genetic material is transferred from one bacterium (the donor) to another (the recipient) through direct contact.
Recognize that conjugation typically involves the transfer of a plasmid, which is a small, circular piece of DNA that is separate from the bacterial chromosome.
Identify that the process requires a physical connection between the donor and recipient cells, often facilitated by a structure called a pilus, which is produced by the donor cell.
Clarify that conjugation does not require a virus carrier; this is a characteristic of transduction, another form of horizontal gene transfer.
Note that while conjugation is more efficient between bacteria of the same or closely related species, it is not strictly limited to the same species, and the presence of a conjugative plasmid is typically necessary for the process.