What is DNA transduction and how does it differ from bacterial transformation?
The correct answer and explanation is:
DNA transduction is a process by which genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another via a virus, typically a bacteriophage. The bacteriophage infects a bacterial cell and during the replication process, it mistakenly incorporates pieces of the bacterial DNA into its viral genome. When the bacteriophage infects another bacterium, it introduces the bacterial DNA into the new host. This transfer of genetic material can lead to genetic changes in the recipient bacterium, such as acquiring new traits or abilities, like antibiotic resistance.
There are two types of transduction: generalized and specialized. In generalized transduction, any part of the host bacterium’s DNA can be transferred, whereas in specialized transduction, only specific genes near the phage integration site are transferred.
Bacterial transformation, on the other hand, is a process where a bacterium takes up free-floating DNA from its environment and incorporates it into its own genome. This DNA can be from dead bacterial cells that have lysed and released their genetic material into the surroundings. The transformation process depends on the bacterium’s ability to naturally take in DNA, though some bacteria can be artificially induced to take up DNA in laboratory settings.
The key difference between transduction and transformation lies in the mechanism of DNA transfer. Transduction relies on a bacteriophage (virus) to mediate DNA transfer, while transformation involves the direct uptake of free DNA from the environment by a bacterium. Additionally, transduction can result in the transfer of both chromosomal and plasmid DNA, while transformation typically involves chromosomal DNA or plasmids already present in the environment.