Question

In which microbe, the conjugation was first discovered?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Streptococus
• C. Bacillus subtilis
• D. E. coli

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

E. coli

Conjugation is the method in which the gene of the plasmid is transferred from one (F${}^{+}$) bacterial cell to the other (F${}^{-}$) cell. The method was discovered in the bacterial strain K-12 of Escherichia coli. There is horizontal gene transfer of the gene from one cell into the other cell. This transfer occurs through the F-pili present on the surface of the F${}^{+}$ cell which allows forming the bridge.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.