Choose the statement that best distinguishes a complementation test and a recombination analysis when examining mutations in phage.
A)Both tests require two different mutations.
B)Recombination can only occur between two genes.
C)Complementation results can be seen immediately, recombination requires a second infection.
D)Recombination results can be seen immediately, complementation requires a second infection.
E)Recombination can distinguish one gene with two alleles from two different genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A complementation test involves infecting a host cell with two different mutations to determine if the mutations are in the same gene or different genes. If the mutations are in different genes, the two mutations can complement each other and produce a functional protein, resulting in a successful infection. Complementation results can be seen immediately after infection because a successful infection indicates that the mutations are in different genes.

In contrast, a recombination analysis involves infecting a host cell with two different phages, each carrying a different mutation, to determine if the mutations are linked on the same gene or on different genes. Recombination can occur between two genes or between two alleles of the same gene, allowing the production of recombinant phages that bear a combination of mutations. Recombination results cannot be seen immediately because a second infection is required to verify the presence of recombinant phages.

Choose the Statement That Best Distinguishes a Complementation Test and a Recombination