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Ch. 8 - Microbial Genetics
Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 2

Transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient as naked DNA in solution.
a. Conjugation
b. Transcription
c. Transduction
d. Transformation
e. Translation

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1
Read the problem carefully to understand that it asks for matching a term to the definition: 'Transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient as naked DNA in solution.'
Recall the definitions of the given terms: conjugation, transcription, transduction, transformation, and translation.
Identify that 'conjugation' involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA transfer, so it does not match the definition.
Recognize that 'transcription' and 'translation' are processes related to gene expression, not DNA transfer between cells.
Understand that 'transformation' is the process where bacteria take up naked DNA from their environment, matching the definition given.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Transformation

Transformation is the process by which bacteria take up free, naked DNA fragments from their environment and incorporate them into their own genome. This horizontal gene transfer method allows genetic variation without direct cell-to-cell contact.
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Conjugation

Conjugation involves the direct transfer of DNA from a donor to a recipient bacterial cell through physical contact, usually via a pilus. It is a common mechanism for spreading plasmids and antibiotic resistance genes.
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Transduction

Transduction is the transfer of bacterial DNA from one cell to another mediated by bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). It occurs when phages accidentally package host DNA and inject it into a new host.
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