Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In bacterial transformation, a segment of naked DNA from the surroundings passes through the cell wall and plasma membrane of a recipient cell.
Statement II: Only a few competent recipient bacterial cells can take up the DNA from the surroundings.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Transformation: Uptake of naked DNA from the environment.
Competence: Ability of a cell to take up DNA.
Artificial competence can be induced by chemical or electrical methods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Bacterial transformation is a process of horizontal gene transfer.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
In transformation, naked DNA from the environment is taken up by a recipient cell.
The DNA passes through the cell wall and plasma membrane.
This statement is true.
Statement II:
Only competent cells can take up DNA.
Competence is a physiological state where the cell is able to take up DNA.
Not all bacterial cells are competent; only a few are competent under natural conditions.
This statement is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, both statements are true, which corresponds to option (A).
[0.5cm]