Gene Transfer

Question 1

Describe the process of conjugation

Answer 1

= Plasmid mediated

A plasmid copy is transferred from a donor bacterium to a recipient via sex pili

Question 2

Describe the process of transduction

Answer 2

= Phage mediated

Accidental mis-packaging of bacterial DNA into progeny

Question 3

Describe the process of transformation

Answer 3

= uptake of naked DNA

Some bacteria do this naturally and others require chemical intervention (i.e. Heat shock)