Concept explainers
Videos
The name of the process by which DNA is transferred from one prokaryote to another via a cytoplasmic bridge is
a. conjugation.
b. prokaryotic fission.
c. meiosis.
d. bioremediation.
Introduction:
The prokaryotes reproduce asexually, which means the process of genetic recombination is not possible in these organisms. However, it is noted that the transfer of genetic material from one prokaryote to another is possible in certain species. This process involves the formation of a cytoplasmic bridge.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Correct answer:
Conjugation is the process, by which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is transferred from one prokaryote to another via a cytoplasmic bridge.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for the correct answer:
Option (a) is given that conjugation is the process, by which DNA is transferred from one prokaryote to another. DNA is the genetic material found in the prokaryotes. The prokaryotes undergo asexual reproduction. Thus, genetic recombination is not possible in the prokaryotes. To overcome this problem, the prokaryotes undergo a process where they can transfer the genetic material from other prokaryotes.
In this process, the plasma membranes of two prokaryotes fuse temporarily. This structure is known as the cytoplasmic bridge. The prokaryotes exchange the genetic material via this structure. It leads to the new combination of genetic material, which helps bacteria to survive under different conditions. This process is known as conjugation. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answers:
Option (b) is given that in prokaryotes, DNA is transferred by the process known as prokaryotic fission. Prokaryotic fission is the process, by which prokaryotes reproduce asexually. However, there is no transfer of the genetic material from one prokaryote to another in this process. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (c) is given that in prokaryotes, DNA is transferred by the process known as meiosis. Meiosis is a cell division process, in which the daughter cells contain half the number of chromosomes as compared to the parent cell. This process is not involved in the transfer of the genetic material from one prokaryote to another. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (d) is given that in prokaryotes, DNA is transferred by the process known as bioremediation. Bioremediation refers to manipulating the environmental conditions to stimulate the breakdown of the pollutants by living organisms. This process does not involve the transfer of the genetic material from one prokaryote to another. So, it is an incorrect option.
Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Therefore, it can be concluded that in the conjugation process, prokaryotes transfer the genetic material via a cytoplasmic bridge from one prokaryote to another.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 20 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
- Both archaea and eukaryotes have______ . a. peptidoglycan c. a nucleus b. histone proteins d. a capsidarrow_forwardThe presence of a membrane-enclosed nucleus is a characteristic of ________. a. prokaryotic cells b. eukaryotic cells c. all cells d. virusesarrow_forwardWhich of the following observations about a bacterium would distinguish it from the last eukaryotic common ancestor? a. A double-stranded DNA genome b. Lack of a membrane-bound structure surrounding the genome c. Fatty acids in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane d. Enclosed by a cell wallarrow_forward
- Which of the following describe prokaryotes? a) usually have a circular chromosome b) typically have multiple chromosomes c) are usually diploid d) none of the abovearrow_forwardProkaryote is characterized by: A Dispersed DNA and lack of membrane bound organelles B Absence of nuclear envelope C Absence of nucleolus D All of thesearrow_forwardMitochondria are thought to be the descendants of certain alpha proteobacteria. They are, however, no longer able to lead independent lives because most genes originally present in their genome have moved to the nuclear genome. Which phenomenon accounts for the movement of these genes? Group of answer choices A. recombination B. conjugation C. translation D. endosymbiosisarrow_forward
- What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? A. The size of the cells B. Whether or are not they are able to perform cellular respiration C. The type of enzymes that are found in the cell D. Whether or not they have a nucleusarrow_forwardCellular inclusions in prokaryotic cells serve to A) store energy rich compounds. B) protect DNA. C) position cells in the appropriate environment for survival. D) store energy rich compounds and position cells in the appropriate environment for survival.arrow_forward______ cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and do not have DNA. a Eukaryotic b Binary c Plasmid d Prokaryoticarrow_forward
- Describe how the size of prokaryotic cells compares to that of eukaryotic cells. A. they are about the same size B. prokaryotic cells are larger than eukaryotic cells C. eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cellsarrow_forwardWhich statement best explains why the third domain, Archea, was added to the original two domains of Bacteria and Eukarya? A. scientist discovered that eukaryotes are unicellular B. scientist discovered that eukaryotes have cell walls C. scientists discovered that some prokaryotes have cell walls D. scientists discovered that some prokaryotes live in extreme environmentsarrow_forwardWhich statement about the genomes of prokaryotes is not correct? A. Prokaryotic chromosomes are sometimes called plasmids B. Prokaryotic genomes are haploid throughout the life of the cell C. The prokaryotic chromosome is found the nucleoid region D. Prokaryotic genomes are composed of circular DNAarrow_forward
Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College