Which of the Following is Required for Transposition

Question

Which of the following is required for transposition?
A) F+ plasmid
B) bacteriophage
C) insertion sequence
D) donor cell
E) competence

Accepted Answer

Transposition refers to the movement of DNA segments within the genome. The insertion sequences (IS) are the specific DNA segments that are capable of moving or transposing from one location to another within the genome. Hence, the presence of insertion sequences is essential for transposition.

Options A, B, D, and E are incorrect because F+ plasmid, bacteriophage, donor cell, and competence are not directly involved in transposition. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate within bacterial cells, whereas F+ plasmid is a conjugative plasmid that transfers genetic material between bacterial cells. Donor cell refers to the cell that donates DNA during the process of genetic transfer, and competence refers to the ability of a bacterial cell to take up external DNA.