leu^- bacteria are mixed in a flask with leu⁺ bacteria, and soon all bacteria are leu⁺.However, if the leu^- cells are on one side of a U-tube and the leu⁺ cells are on the other, the leu^- cells do not become prototrophic.Which process is likely to produce this observed result?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conjugation is the process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. The observed result, where leu^- bacteria become leu⁺ when mixed in a flask but not when separated in a U-tube, suggests that direct physical contact is necessary for the genetic transfer, which is characteristic of conjugation.

Leu- Bacteria Are Mixed in a Flask with Leu+ Bacteria

Leu^- Bacteria Are Mixed in a Flask with Leu⁺ Bacteria