The process by which DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a virus is known as:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

JKSSB SI Official Paper (Held On: 13 Dec 2022 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The Correct answer is Transduction.

Key Points

Transduction is the process by which DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a virus.
This process is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria.
Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, play a key role in transduction.
There are two types of transduction: generalized transduction and specialized transduction.
In generalized transduction, any bacterial gene can be transferred by the bacteriophage.
In specialized transduction, only specific bacterial genes are transferred.
Transduction can contribute to the genetic diversity and evolution of bacterial populations.

Additional Information

Lysogeny
- Lysogeny is a phase in the life cycle of some bacteriophages in which the virus integrates its DNA into the host bacterium's genome.
- This integrated viral DNA is called a prophage.
- The prophage can replicate passively with the host cell's DNA for many generations.
Mutation
- A mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome.
- Mutations can occur naturally or be induced by environmental factors.
- They can lead to genetic diversity but can also result in genetic disorders or diseases.