[Campbell Biology P.629] During F plasmid conjugation Figure 27.13a , a single strand of the... | Practice Question

During F plasmid conjugation Figure 27.13a , a single strand of the plasmid DNA is transferred to the recipient cell. What would be the most likely consequence if the recipient cell lacked the necessary enzymes to synthesize a new complementary DNA strand on this transferred single strand?

  • A: The transferred DNA would immediately be degraded by cellular enzymes without forming a stable genetic element.
  • B: The donor cell would be unable to initiate the rolling circle replication process.
  • C: The recipient cell would still become F+ by incorporating the single-stranded DNA directly into its chromosome.

Explanation

For the F plasmid to become a stable genetic element in the recipient cell and confer F+ status, it must be converted from a single-stranded linear form into a double-stranded circular form. If the necessary enzymes for complementary strand synthesis are absent, this conversion cannot occur, leaving the DNA as an unstable linear single strand, which is typically degraded by cellular nucleases.