[Campbell Biology P.629] According to Figure 27.13b, what is the primary reason the recipien... | Practice Question

According to Figure 27.13b, what is the primary reason the recipient cell in Hfr conjugation typically remains F- despite receiving genetic material from the donor?

  • A: The transferred F factor is immediately inactivated upon entering the recipient cell.
  • B: The recipient cell lacks the necessary machinery to integrate the transferred F factor into its chromosome.
  • C: The mating bridge typically breaks before the entire F factor (integrated into the donor chromosome) has been transferred.
  • D: The recipient cell already possesses its own F factor, making the transferred one redundant.

Explanation

Figure 27.13b, step 3, explicitly states: 'The mating bridge usually breaks before the entire chromosome is transferred.' Since the F factor is integrated into the chromosome in Hfr cells, and transfer begins from within the F factor, a complete F factor is rarely transferred. Therefore, the recipient typically remains F- because it does not receive the complete F factor.