Which of the Following Methods May Introduce Foreign DNA into a Recipient

Question

Which of the following methods may introduce foreign DNA into a recipient?
A) transformation
B) transduction
C) conjugation
D) transformation, transduction, and conjugation

Accepted Answer

All three methods of genetic exchange - transformation, transduction, and conjugation - have the potential to introduce foreign DNA into a recipient cell. In transformation, free DNA molecules from the environment are taken up by the recipient cell; in transduction, viral vectors transfer genetic material between cells; and in conjugation, plasmids or other genetic elements may be passed from donor cells to recipient cells through physical contact. Therefore, the best answer is D, as it includes all three methods.