Microbial genetics: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Microbial genetics

Sample item

What is horizontal gene transfer?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. DNA transfer between organisms outside reproduction

Horizontal transfer moves genetic material between microbes through transformation, transduction, or conjugation and can spread resistance genes.

Option by option

  • A. DNA transfer between organisms outside reproduction (correct)

    Correct: DNA moves between organisms.

  • B. Protein digestion

    Protein digestion is unrelated.

  • C. Antibody production

    Antibodies are host immune proteins.

  • D. Mutation during cell division only

    Mutation alone is not transfer.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, DNA transfer between organisms outside reproduction. Horizontal transfer moves genetic material between microbes through transformation, transduction, or conjugation and can spread resistance genes.

Why is "Protein digestion" not the answer?

Protein digestion is unrelated.

Why is "Antibody production" not the answer?

Antibodies are host immune proteins.

Why is "Mutation during cell division only" not the answer?

Mutation alone is not transfer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Microbial genetics in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: DNA moves between organisms.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Microbial genetics?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.