Describe horizontal gene transfer

Question 1

What is horizontal gene transfer?

Answer 1

Horizontal gene transfer is the process by which an organism transfers genetic material to another organism that is not its offspring.

Question 2

True or False: Horizontal gene transfer occurs only between organisms of the same species.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Horizontal gene transfer can occur through three main mechanisms: transformation, transduction, and _______.

Answer 3

conjugation

Question 4

What is transformation in the context of horizontal gene transfer?

Answer 4

Transformation is the uptake and incorporation of free DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Question 5

Which mechanism of horizontal gene transfer involves a virus?

Answer 5

Transduction

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a method of horizontal gene transfer? A) Transformation B) Transduction C) Mitosis D) Conjugation

Answer 6

C) Mitosis

Question 7

What role do plasmids play in horizontal gene transfer?

Answer 7

Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules that can be transferred between bacteria, facilitating horizontal gene transfer.

Question 8

True or False: Horizontal gene transfer can contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Short Answer: Name one advantage of horizontal gene transfer for bacteria.

Answer 9

It allows for rapid adaptation to environmental changes.

Question 10

What is the significance of horizontal gene transfer in evolution?

Answer 10

Horizontal gene transfer can lead to genetic diversity and rapid evolution, allowing organisms to acquire new traits quickly.