Conjugation is a very effective process for spreading antibiotic resistance among diverse bacterial populations such as those fo
und in the mammalian gut. Which statement best explains this observation? A) Conjugative plasmids can be transferred to a bacteriophage.
B) Two different species of bacteria can share DNA, including antibiotic-resistance genes, during conjugation.
C) Conjugation is the only source of genetic variation in bacterial cells.
D) Conjugative plasmids cause a bacterial cell to reproduce more quickly, which increases the rate of evolution and the appearance of antibiotic resistance.
B) Two different species of bacteria can share DNA, including antibiotic-resistance genes, during conjugation.
Explanation:
Conjugation is a process by which bacteria can exchange their genetic material between them. So through conjugation, the antibiotic-resistant gene coded by plasmid can be transferred through sex pilus to another bacteria.
So due to conjugation two different species of bacteria can share DNA which can include antibiotic-resistant genes. Therefore, through conjugation genetic variation and evolution are favored in bacteria. So due to this reason conjugation is a very important process in bacteria to spread antibiotic-resistant genes.
