Question

The virus mediated gene transfer using genetically modified bacteriophages is called

• A. Transfection
• B. Transduction
• C. Transformation
• D. Conjugation

Hint:

Easy recall:
Transformation = Environment (Direct uptake).
Transduction = Virus (Phage).
Conjugation = Contact (Pilus).
Transfection = Tissue culture (usually eukaryotic).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question defines a specific method of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is moved from one cell to another via a viral vector (bacteriophage).
Detailed Explanation:

• Transduction (The Correct Process):
Transduction is the process by which DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a virus (bacteriophage).
In biotechnology, scientists use genetically modified phages to deliver specific genes into target bacterial cells.
It can be generalized (any part of bacterial DNA is packaged) or specialized (only specific regions near the phage integration site are transferred).

• Comparison with other methods:
Transformation: This involves the direct uptake of "naked" exogenous DNA from the surrounding environment by a competent cell. No viral vector is involved.
Conjugation: This is the transfer of genetic material (usually plasmids) between bacterial cells through direct cell-to-cell contact or a bridge-like connection (sex pilus).
Transfection: This term is typically used for the process of deliberately introducing nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells using non-viral methods (like chemical or physical means). While "transduction" can refer to viral delivery in eukaryotes, in microbiology, "transduction" is specifically the phage-mediated process.

• Mechanism:
The phage infects a donor cell, accidentally packages some donor DNA, then infects a recipient cell and injects that donor DNA into it. This is a very efficient way of gene transfer.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The virus-mediated transfer of genes into bacteria is termed Transduction.