Q27.2-3CC - Campbell Biology

Question

In a rapidly changing environment, which bacterial population would likely be more successful: one that has individuals capable of conjugation or one that does not? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In an environment that changes rapidly, the bacterial population capable of transferring DNA through the conjugation method will be more successful. It is because conjugation may develop a recombined genome that has better adaptability to the changing environment.

Step 1: Bacteria

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms with great diversity. These organisms have the ability to thrive in a wide range of environments. Some bacteria are beneficial for other groups of organisms and the environment, while some are harmful.

 

The diversity in the bacterial group is due to genetic recombination and mutations that got established over several generations.

Step 2: DNA transfer through conjugation

Genetic recombination is the process in which the bacterial genome of two different cells recombine and form a new genetic sequence. It occurs through three methods, conjugation being one of them. 

 

In conjugation, two bacterial cells form a temporary but close association; a bridge-like structure is developed that connects these two cells. The plasmid or chromosomal DNA from the donor cell is transferred to the other cell via this bridge, and it gets incorporated within the recipient’s genome.

Step 3: Advantage of conjugation

The process of conjugation results in the formation of recombined genomes in the recipient cell. This new genome is associated with new traits that may facilitate the adaptation of the bacterial cell to their environment.

 

Thus, it can be concluded that the bacterial population with the ability to conjugate will be more successful in an environment that is rapidly modifying as compared to the population which cannot conjugate.