A certain type of bacteria is determined to have become resistant to antibiotics. In which method of genetic transfer did the bacterial cells most likely engage in order to transfer the antibiotic resistant gene to other cells.
a. binary fission
b. conjugation ***?
c. diffusion
d. thermoregulation
C. Diffusion
The most likely method of genetic transfer that the bacterial cells engaged in order to transfer the antibiotic resistant gene to other cells is conjugation.
To understand why conjugation is the most likely method, let's briefly explain the other options:
a. Binary fission: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction common in bacteria, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. However, binary fission does not involve the transfer of genetic material between different bacterial cells, so it is not the answer in this case.
b. Conjugation: Conjugation is a process of genetic transfer between bacterial cells. During conjugation, two bacterial cells physically connect using a structure called a pilus. The donor cell transfers a portion of its genetic material, including the antibiotic resistant gene, to the recipient cell. This direct transfer of genetic material allows the recipient cell to inherit the antibiotic resistance trait.
c. Diffusion: Diffusion refers to the process of molecules or particles spreading out from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In the context of genetic transfer, diffusion is not a method of transferring genetic material between bacterial cells, so it is not the correct answer.
d. Thermoregulation: Thermoregulation refers to the regulation of body temperature. It is not a method of genetic transfer in bacteria, so it is not the correct answer.
Therefore, based on the options provided, the most likely method of genetic transfer that the bacterial cells engaged in to transfer the antibiotic resistant gene to other cells is conjugation (option b).