Which of the following statements is true?


a. Conjugation requires a sex pilus extending from the surface of a cell.
b. Conjugation involves a C factor.
c. Conjugation is an artificial genetic engineering technique.
d. Conjugation involves DNA that has been released into the environment.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept: Conjugation in microbiology refers to the process of genetic material transfer between bacterial cells.
2. Review each statement to determine its accuracy based on the definition of conjugation.
3. Statement a: Conjugation requires a sex pilus extending from the surface of a cell. This is a true statement as the sex pilus is essential for the transfer of DNA between bacteria.
4. Statement b: Conjugation involves a C factor. This is incorrect as conjugation involves the F factor (fertility factor) in bacteria.
5. Statement c: Conjugation is an artificial genetic engineering technique. This is false because conjugation is a natural process, not an artificial one.
6. Statement d: Conjugation involves DNA that has been released into the environment. This is incorrect as it describes transformation, not conjugation.

Key Concepts

Conjugation in Bacteria

Conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, where genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another through direct contact. This typically involves a structure called a sex pilus, which facilitates the connection between donor and recipient cells, allowing for the transfer of plasmid DNA.

C Factor

The C factor, or fertility factor (F factor), is a type of plasmid that carries genes necessary for the formation of the sex pilus and the conjugation process. Bacteria possessing the F factor can act as donors during conjugation, transferring genetic material to recipient bacteria, which may lead to genetic diversity and the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance.

Natural vs. Artificial Genetic Engineering

Natural genetic engineering refers to processes like conjugation, where organisms exchange genetic material through natural mechanisms. In contrast, artificial genetic engineering involves human-directed methods to manipulate an organism's DNA, such as CRISPR or recombinant DNA technology, which are not part of the natural conjugation process.