Transduction Practice Questions
17 free Transduction practice questions for the Microbiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What is transduction in microbial genetics?
- A Transfer of DNA via direct contact
- B Uptake of naked DNA
- C Mutation of DNA
- D Transfer of DNA via bacteriophages
Correct answer: Transfer of DNA via bacteriophages
Transduction is the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another via bacteriophages. It is a form of horizontal gene transfer.
Which agent is responsible for transduction?
- A Plasmid
- B Ribosome
- C Conjugative pilus
- D Bacteriophage
Correct answer: Bacteriophage
Bacteriophages, or bacterial viruses, carry DNA between bacteria during transduction. They act as vectors for gene transfer.
Which type of transduction transfers random fragments of bacterial DNA?
- A Generalized transduction
- B Specialized transduction
- C Conjugation
- D Transformation
Correct answer: Generalized transduction
Generalized transduction occurs when random pieces of bacterial DNA are packaged into phage particles. This happens during the lytic cycle.
Which bacteriophage life cycle is associated with generalized transduction?
- A Lytic cycle
- B Lysogenic cycle
- C Fission
- D Conjugation cycle
Correct answer: Lytic cycle
Generalized transduction occurs during the lytic cycle when bacterial DNA is mistakenly packaged into phage heads. This DNA can then infect another bacterium.
What is a prophage?
- A Integrated phage DNA in host genome
- B A free viral particle outside the host cell
- C Plasmid DNA
- D RNA virus
Correct answer: Integrated phage DNA in host genome
A prophage is phage DNA integrated into the bacterial chromosome. It remains dormant during the lysogenic cycle.
Which process allows phage DNA to integrate into the bacterial genome?
- A Recombination
- B Replication
- C Translation
- D Transcription
Correct answer: Recombination
Recombination allows phage DNA to integrate into the host genome. This is essential for establishing lysogeny.
During transduction, which enzyme catalyzes the integration of donor DNA into the recipient's chromosome?
- A DNA polymerase
- B RNA polymerase
- C DNA ligase
- D Recombinase
Correct answer: Recombinase
Recombinase enzymes facilitate the integration of foreign DNA into the host genome. They play a key role in genetic recombination.
Which phage cycle is associated with specialized transduction?
- A Lytic cycle
- B Lysogenic cycle
- C Binary fission
- D Bacterial conjugation
Correct answer: Lysogenic cycle
Specialized transduction occurs during the lysogenic cycle when prophage excision is incorrect. This leads to transfer of adjacent bacterial genes.
What happens during the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?
- A Viral DNA integrates into the host chromosome
- B Virus replicates and lyses the host cell
- C Cell divides normally
- D The viral DNA is degraded
Correct answer: Virus replicates and lyses the host cell
In the lytic cycle, the phage replicates inside the host and eventually causes cell lysis. This releases new phage particles.
Which type of DNA is transferred during generalized transduction?
- A Specific host chromosomal gene sequences
- B Random bacterial DNA fragments
- C Plasmid DNA sequences
- D Viral genomic DNA
Correct answer: Random bacterial DNA fragments
Generalized transduction involves random fragments of bacterial DNA being packaged into phage particles. These can be transferred to another bacterium.
Which factor determines whether transduction will be generalized or specialized?
- A Type of host cell
- B Type of bacteriophage life cycle
- C Environmental temperature conditions
- D Growth medium pH level
Correct answer: Type of bacteriophage life cycle
The type of phage life cycle determines the type of transduction. Lytic cycles lead to generalized, while lysogenic cycles lead to specialized transduction.
Which genetic element is transferred in specialized transduction?
- A Any random DNA fragment
- B Viral gene sequences
- C Genes near prophage integration site
- D The entire bacterial chromosomal genome
Correct answer: Genes near prophage integration site
Specialized transduction transfers specific genes located near the prophage insertion site. This occurs due to improper excision.
Which outcome can result from transduction?
- A Immediate cell death
- B Genetic recombination
- C Spore formation
- D Complete loss of host genes
Correct answer: Genetic recombination
Transduction can lead to genetic recombination in the recipient bacterium. This can introduce new traits such as antibiotic resistance.
Which bacterial trait can be spread through transduction?
- A Membrane permeability
- B Antibiotic resistance
- C Colony pigmentation
- D Metabolic inactivity
Correct answer: Antibiotic resistance
Transduction can transfer genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. This contributes to the spread of resistant bacterial strains.
Which step is essential before DNA transfer in transduction?
- A Protein synthesis
- B Cell division
- C RNA transcription and translation
- D Phage infection of host cell
Correct answer: Phage infection of host cell
Phage infection is the initial step in transduction. The phage injects its DNA into the bacterial host.
Which process distinguishes transduction from transformation?
- A Direct uptake of free DNA from the environment
- B Direct cell contact
- C Independent DNA replication
- D Use of bacteriophages for DNA transfer
Correct answer: Use of bacteriophages for DNA transfer
Transduction involves bacteriophages transferring DNA, while transformation involves uptake of free DNA. This is the key distinction.
Which of the following best describes the role of bacteriophages in evolution?
- A They primarily cause bacterial cell death
- B They reduce genetic diversity across populations
- C They facilitate gene transfer and diversity
- D They prevent mutations
Correct answer: They facilitate gene transfer and diversity
Bacteriophages contribute to bacterial evolution by transferring genes between cells. This increases genetic diversity and adaptability.