Which of the following describes the process of transformation?
A) crossing-over between paired chromosomes in meiosis
B) a bacteria cell passing DNA to another bacterial cell by means of a sex pilus
C) virus carries DNA from a previous host cell to a new host cell
D) live bacterium picks up DNA from a dead bacterium
E) one bacterial cell dividing to form two bacterial cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transformation is the process by which a live bacterium takes up DNA from the environment (often from a dead bacterium) and incorporates it into its own genome. This is different from conjugation (option B) where two bacteria exchange genetic material via a sex pilus or from transduction (option C) where a virus transfers DNA from one host cell to another. Crossing-over in meiosis (option A) is a process that shuffles genetic information between homologous chromosomes and occurs during the formation of gametes. Bacterial cell division (option E) is a process of asexual reproduction and does not involve the transfer of genetic material between cells.

Which of the Following Describes the Process of Transformation