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GATE 2019 BT – Question 19

Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology · Genetics: Microbial genetics (transformation, transduction, conjugation), gene mapping, horizontal gene transfer, transposable elements · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which processes can increase bacterial genetic diversity in nature? P conjugation; Q transformation; R transduction; S transfection.

  1. P only
  2. P and Q only
  3. P, Q and R only
  4. P, Q, R and S

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Correct answer: (C) P, Q and R only; (B) P and Q only

Explanation

Conjugation transfers DNA through cell contact, transformation takes up external DNA, and transduction transfers DNA through bacteriophages. These are the three standard natural horizontal-transfer routes, supporting C. The appended official grading accepts C OR B as alternative single-choice answers; that disposition is retained exactly. Transfection is not an additional standard natural bacterial route in this list.

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