[Campbell Biology P.629] How do the typical outcomes for the recipient cell differ between F... | Practice Question

How do the typical outcomes for the recipient cell differ between F plasmid conjugation Figure 27.13a and Hfr conjugation Figure 27.13b ?

  • A: In F plasmid conjugation, the recipient typically becomes F+, while in Hfr conjugation, it usually remains F- but acquires new chromosomal genes.
  • B: Both F plasmid and Hfr conjugation consistently result in the recipient cell becoming F+.
  • C: In F plasmid conjugation, only bacterial chromosome genes are transferred, whereas in Hfr conjugation, only the F factor is transferred.
  • D: Both types of conjugation lead to the complete transfer of the donor cell's entire chromosome.

Explanation

Figure 27.13a shows that in F plasmid conjugation, the recipient F- cell receives the F plasmid and becomes a recombinant F+ cell. Figure 27.13b explains that in Hfr conjugation, only part of the Hfr bacterial chromosome including part of the F factor is usually transferred, and the mating bridge often breaks before the entire F factor is transferred, leading to the recipient typically remaining F- but acquiring new chromosomal genes through recombination.