Question 1

Which process is primarily responsible for genetic diversity in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Sexual recombination during meiosis

Question 2

In prokaryotes, which mechanism involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 3

Which of the following statements about conjugation in bacteria is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is mediated by sex pili encoded on the F plasmid.

Question 4

During specialized transduction, which viral replication cycle is involved?

Accepted Answer

Lysogenic cycle

Question 5

A bacterium is described as 'competent.' What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It can take up DNA from its environment.

Question 6

Which type of gene transfer occurs from parent to offspring in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Vertical gene transfer

Question 7

If the F factor is integrated into the bacterial chromosome, what is the donor cell called?

Accepted Answer

Hfr cell

Question 8

Which of the following best describes generalized transduction?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of random bacterial DNA via lytic phage

Question 9

A scientist exposes bacteria to DNA from a lysed cell. Some bacteria acquire new traits. Which process has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 10

Which equation best represents the probability $$P of a $$bacterium acquiring a new gene via transformation, given $$n$$ competent cells and $$p$$ probability per cell?

Accepted Answer

$$P = n 	imes p$$

Question 11

In conjugation, if the donor is Hfr and the recipient is F-, what is the likely outcome for the recipient?

Accepted Answer

It remains F-

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission

Question 13

A bacteriophage transfers DNA from one bacterium to another. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why horizontal gene transfer is important in clinical settings?

Accepted Answer

It enables bacteria to acquire antibiotic resistance genes.

Question 15

If a bacterial population undergoes only vertical gene transfer, what is the expected genetic outcome?

Accepted Answer

Genetically identical daughter cells

Question 16

Which of the following is required for conjugation to occur between two bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Physical contact via sex pili

Question 17

A hospital isolates a strain of E. coli that has acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. Which genetic process most likely contributed to this?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer

Question 18

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates transformation?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium takes up DNA fragments from its surroundings.

Question 19

Which formula represents the total number of possible genetic combinations after $$n$$ rounds of horizontal gene transfer, assuming each round doubles the diversity?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 20

Which statement best describes the difference between vertical and horizontal gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer allows for exchange of genetic material between non-related cells; vertical gene transfer is from parent to offspring.

Microbial Genetics: Mechanisms of Genetic Diversity

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