Bacterial Cells That Can Participate in ________ are Known as Competent

Question

Bacterial cells that can participate in ________ are known as competent cells.
A) transformation
B) transduction
C) conjugation
D) fission

Accepted Answer

Competent cells are bacterial cells that are able to take up extracellular DNA and incorporate it into their genome via transformation. Choice B (Transduction) involves the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via bacteriophages. Choice C (Conjugation) involves the transfer of DNA via cell-to-cell contact, such as through a sex pili. Choice D (Fission) refers to the process of bacterial cell division.