Bacterial Genetics: Conjugation and F Factor Transfer
Why is the recipient cell unable to initiate conjugation after conjugation with an F+ cell?
a. The donor cell was F+ and the recipient cell was F-
b. The donor cell was an hfr cell and the recipient was F
c. The donor cell was F- and the recipient cell was hfr
d. The donor cell was hfr and the recipient cell was F
e. The donor cell was an F+ cell and the recipient was F-
Answer:
The most likely explanation for the recipient cell's inability to initiate conjugation is that the donor cell was F+ and the recipient cell was F-.
In bacterial genetics, conjugation is a process where two bacterial cells exchange genetic material through direct contact. The F (fertility) factor plays a crucial role in this process by enabling the transfer of genetic material between cells.
When an F+ cell, which carries the F factor, conjugates with an F- cell, the F factor is transferred to the F- cell, converting it into an F+ cell. This transformation allows the formerly F- recipient cell to now act as a donor in future conjugation events.
In the scenario where the recipient cell remains unable to initiate conjugation after conjugation, it suggests that the F factor was not successfully transferred. This aligns with the situation where the donor cell was F+ and the recipient cell was F-, indicating that the genetic material transfer did not occur as expected.
Understanding the mechanisms of conjugation and F factor transfer in bacterial genetics is essential for comprehending how bacteria exchange genetic information and adapt to their environment.