How would a bacterial cell share a mutation with other bacterial cells?

• A. Through conjugation
• B. By binary fission
• C. Via mitosis
• D. Through budding

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that bacteria can share genetic material through several mechanisms, but not all options listed are applicable to bacteria.
2. Recognize that conjugation is a process where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact, often involving a pilus. This is a common method for sharing mutations.
3. Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. While it spreads mutations within a lineage, it does not share mutations between different cells.
4. Mitosis is a process of cell division in eukaryotic cells, not bacteria, so it is not applicable here.
5. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction seen in some organisms like yeast, but not typically in bacteria. Therefore, it is not a method for sharing mutations in bacterial cells.