Biology (Mader), 10th Edition

Chapter 20: Viruses, Bacteria, and Archaea

Conjugation: The Transfer of Chromosomal DNA

What are the genetic consequences of different types of conjugation? Conjugation can occur whenever the donor bacterial cell has the F+ genotype. The gene can either exist in a plasmid or incorporated into the bacterial chromosome. In either case the donor cell creates a pilus and copies DNA to transfer to the F- cell. If the F+ gene is on a plasmid, then the entire plasmid is transferred and the cell receiving the plasmid becomes F+. However, if the plasmid is incorporated into the chromosome then the process of conjugation attempts to transfer the entire bacterial genome. Only part of the genome is transferred, including a portion of the plasmid and some other genes. The bacterium receiving the genes does not become F+.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.



1.

F+ refers to a cell containing...
A)a single strand of DNA.
B)a double strand of DNA.
C)the F plasmid.
D)any plasmid.
E)a functional strand of DNA.
2.

The donor chromosome is transferred as...
A)a plasmid.
B)single stranded DNA.
C)double stranded DNA.
D)single stranded RNA.
E)double stranded RNA.
3.

HFr refers to a cell that has...
A)integrated the F plasmid into its cytoplasm.
B)integrated the F plasmid into its cell wall.
C)integrated the F plasmid into its sex pilus.
D)integrated the F plasmid into its genome.
E)refused to integrate the F plasmid into the cell.
4.

The sex pilus is found on the F- cell.
A)True
B)False
5.

The entire genome of the donor cell is usually transferred to the recipient cell.
A)True
B)False
Glencoe Online Learning CenterScience HomeProduct InfoSite MapContact Us

The McGraw-Hill CompaniesGlencoe

Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice before you explore our Web site. To report a technical problem with this Web site, please contact the Web Producer.