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 mechanism allows bacteria to acquire resistance genes from bacteriophages?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Transduction

Transduction is transfer of bacterial DNA by a bacteriophage, which can move virulence or antimicrobial-resistance genes between bacteria.

Option by option

  • A. Transformation

    Transformation uses free extracellular DNA.

  • B. Binary fission

    Binary fission is ordinary bacterial division.

  • C. Transduction (correct)

    Correct: phage-mediated DNA transfer is transduction.

  • D. Conjugation

    Conjugation uses direct cell contact.

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 C, Transduction. Transduction is transfer of bacterial DNA by a bacteriophage, which can move virulence or antimicrobial-resistance genes between bacteria.

Why is "Transformation" not the answer?

Transformation uses free extracellular DNA.

Why is "Binary fission" not the answer?

Binary fission is ordinary bacterial division.

Why is "Conjugation" not the answer?

Conjugation uses direct cell contact.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Microbial genetics in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: phage-mediated DNA transfer is transduction.

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.