A group of genetics students mix two auxotrophic strains of bacteria: one is leu+ trp+ his− met− and the other is leu− trp− his+ met+. After mixing the two strains, they plate the bacteria on minimal medium and observe a few prototrophic colonies (leu+ trp+ his+ met+). They assume that some gene transfer has taken place between the two strains. How can they determine whether the transfer of genes is due to conjugation, transduction, or transformation?
Genetic Recombination
Recombination is crucial to this process because it allows genes to be reassorted into diverse combinations. Genetic recombination is the process of combining genetic components from two different origins into a single unit. In prokaryotes, genetic recombination takes place by the unilateral transfer of deoxyribonucleic acid. It includes transduction, transformation, and conjugation. The genetic exchange occurring between homologous deoxyribonucleic acid sequences (DNA) from two different sources is termed general recombination. For this to happen, an identical sequence of the two recombining molecules is required. The process of genetic exchange which occurs in eukaryotes during sexual reproduction such as meiosis is an example of this type of genetic recombination.
Microbial Genetics
Genes are the functional units of heredity. They transfer characteristic information from parents to the offspring.
A group of genetics students mix two auxotrophic strains of
bacteria: one is leu+ trp+ his− met− and the other is leu− trp− his+
met+. After mixing the two strains, they plate the bacteria on
minimal medium and observe a few prototrophic colonies (leu+ trp+
his+ met+). They assume that some gene transfer has taken place
between the two strains. How can they determine whether the
transfer of genes is due to conjugation, transduction, or
transformation?
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