Competence Refers to a Bacterium's Ability to _____

Question

Competence refers to a bacterium's ability to _____.
A)synthesize a protein from another species gene that has been engineered
B)undergo conjunction with an F⁺ cell
C)take up DNA fragments
D)be infected by a phage

Accepted Answer

Competence refers to the ability of a bacterial cell to take up DNA fragments from the environment, which can then be integrated into the genome through recombination. It does not relate to synthesizing proteins from other species genes or undergoing conjunction with an F⁺ cell, which both refer to other types of genetic exchange mechanisms. Similarly, being infected by a phage is not related to competence, although it can impact the bacterial cell's survival and genetics.