Question

Describe the differences between transformation and transduction

Answer 1

In transformation, the recipient bacterium takes up extracellular donor DNA. In transduction, donor DNA packaged in a bacteriophage infects the recipient bacterium.

The method of DNA transfer in transformation is that the naked DNA moves across the wall and membrane of the recipient, whereas that of transduction is by a defective phage.

In transformation, extracellular DNA fragments are acquired. On the other hand, in transduction, bacteriophage insert DNA fragment.

Transformation use to acquire antibiotic resistance, while transduction does not.

Transduction requires a virus as a host. On the other hand, transformation does not require a virus as a host.

Plasmid transfer is possible in transformation whereas, in transduction, it does not occur.

Unlike transformation, transduction occurs in two ways; such as lytic cycle or lysogenic cycle.