Question

Each of the following describes a process associated with the nucleic acids in a cell. Choose the term that is being described. This process occurs when bacterial cells take up naked DNA from their environment and begin to express those genes.

• A. Transformation
• B. Translation
• C. Translocation
• D. Transcription
• E. Transduction

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Transformation

A. Transformation is a process in bacteria by which free DNA is incorporated into a recipient cell and brings about genetic change. During the process of transformation, genes are transferred from one bacterium to another as naked DNA in solution.

B. During translation, the genetic information present in mRNA directs the order of specific amino acid to form a polypeptide chain. The cellular factory responsible for synthesising the protein is ribosome.

C. The process of translocation is a kind of rearrangement in which a block of genes from one chromosome are transferred to other non-homologous chromosome. It is due to irregularities during crossing over.

D. Transcription is the process of copying genetic information from one strand of DNA into RNA which occurs in nucleus in eukaryotic cells and in cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.. RNA molecules are synthesised by an enzyme called RNA polymerase which uses a segment of single strand of DNA as a template strand to produce a strand of RNA, complementary in base sequence to the template DNA.

E. Transduction is a process in which DNA is transferred from one bacterial cell to other by a bacterial virus (bacteriophage).

So, the correct answer is 'Transformation'.