Question

During replication, the bacteriophage attaches to ___________ of bacterial cell.

• A. Flagellum
• B. Receptors on cell wall
• C. Genetic material
• D. Plasmid

Hint:

Bacteriophages show host specificity because they bind only to specific receptors on the bacterial cell wall.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding bacteriophage infection.
A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria. The first step of bacteriophage replication is adsorption, where the phage attaches itself to the bacterial cell surface.
Step 2: Site of attachment.
Bacteriophages specifically recognize and bind to receptor molecules present on the bacterial cell wall using their tail fibers. This specificity determines host range.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) Flagellum: Incorrect — attachment does not occur on the flagellum.
(B) Receptors on cell wall: Correct — phages bind to specific receptors on the bacterial cell wall.
(C) Genetic material: Incorrect — attachment occurs before entry of genetic material.
(D) Plasmid: Incorrect — plasmids are internal DNA elements.
Step 4: Conclusion.
During replication, bacteriophage attaches to receptors on the bacterial cell wall.