Question

6. Name and discuss the three ways by which genetic recombination can occur in bacteria. Explain how they reproduce. Can bacteria of different genera exchange genetic material?

Answer 1

Three ways of genetic recombination in bacteria are as following:-

1. Transduction - Transduction is the process by which foreign DNA is introduced into a bacterial cell by a virus or viral vector. An example is the viral transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another and hence an example of horizontal gene transfer.

2. Transformation - Bacteria can take up foreign DNA in a process called transformation. Transformation is a key step in DNA cloning. It occurs after restriction digest and ligation and transfers newly made plasmids to bacteria.

3. Conjugation - Conjugation is the process by which onebacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. Duringconjugation, one bacterium serves as the donor of the genetic material, and the other serves as the recipient

Reproduction in bacteria occur by binary fission In which the bacterium divides into two identical daughter cells. Binary fission begins when the replication of the DNA occurs. The bacterial cell then elongates and splits into two daughter cells each with identical DNA to the parent cell. Each daughter cell is a clone of the parent cell.

Yes, by recombinant and protoplast fusion bacteria of different genera can exchange genetic material.