Question

Horizontal gene transfer in microbes enhances:

• A. Cell size
• B. Structural rigidity
• C. Genetic diversity and survival
• D. Sporulation

Hint:

Remember the three major mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer:
• Transformation \(\rightarrow\) Uptake of naked DNA
• Transduction \(\rightarrow\) DNA transfer via bacteriophage
• Conjugation \(\rightarrow\) DNA transfer through cell contact \[ \text{Horizontal gene transfer is a major cause of antibiotic resistance spread} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the movement of genetic material between organisms without reproduction. It is very common in microbes and plays a major role in microbial evolution. Major mechanisms of HGT include:
• Transformation
• Transduction
• Conjugation Through horizontal gene transfer, microbes can rapidly acquire useful traits such as:
• Antibiotic resistance
• Virulence factors
• Metabolic capabilities This greatly increases their adaptability and survival.

Step 1: Understanding the effect of horizontal gene transfer. When microbes exchange genes: \[ \text{New genetic traits are acquired} \] This results in:
• Increased genetic variation
• Better adaptation to environmental stress
• Improved survival chances Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{Horizontal gene transfer enhances genetic diversity and survival}} \]

Step 2: Eliminating the incorrect options.
• Option (A): HGT does not primarily affect cell size.
• Option (B): Structural rigidity depends mainly on cell wall composition, not gene transfer.
• Option (D): Sporulation is a survival mechanism but is not the direct outcome of horizontal gene transfer. Hence, the correct answer is option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{HGT} \Rightarrow \text{Genetic diversity + Adaptation + Survival}} \]