Which of the following features are common to transformation, transduction, and conjugation?
(1) unidirectional transfer of genes
(2) incomplete gene transfer
(3) homologous recombination
(4) meiosis occurring in the recipient

Question

Which of the following features are common to transformation, transduction, and conjugation? 
(1)	unidirectional transfer of genes
(2)	incomplete gene transfer
(3)	homologous recombination
(4)	meiosis occurring in the recipient

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transformation, transduction, and conjugation all involve the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. These three mechanisms do not involve meiosis in the recipient cell, so statement 4 is incorrect. All three mechanisms can result in the transfer of an incomplete set of genes from the donor to the recipient cell, so statement 2 is correct. Homologous recombination is a common feature in all three mechanisms, so statement 3 is correct. Finally, only conjugation involves unidirectional transfer of genes, so statement 1 is correct. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Which of the Following Features Are Common to Transformation, Transduction