Question

Draw a diagram/figure to explain the conjugation process. You should include in the diagram the F- recipient, Hfr Donor and the transconjugant/recombinant recipient. Make sure to include the genes encoding for Leucine, Threonine, Thiamine and Streptomycin resistance in your diagram. How does an Hfr strain of E. coli transfers chromosomal DNA to an F- strain? What determines how much of the chromosomal DNA is transferred?

Answer 1

Answer : conjugation steps between Hfr and F- bacteria:

1. Hfr bacteria form pilus with F - bacteria.

2. Replication occurs and DNA starts moving from Hfr bacteria to F- bacteria.

3. If conjugation take place for longer duration then all the gene will transfer to the F- bacteria. If conjunction take place for short time then only some genes will transfer to the F- strain.

Conjugation time decides how much chromosomal DNA transfer to the F- bacteria.