Question

there are several methods by which genetic material can be exchanged between bacteria. which of the terms describes direct cell - to - cell dna transfer between bacterial cells?
transduction
transformation
transfection
gene transfer

Explanation:

• Transduction: Involves transfer of DNA by viruses (bacteriophages), not direct cell - to - cell.
• Transformation: Uptake of free DNA from the environment by bacteria, not cell - to - cell.
• Transfection: Similar to transformation but for eukaryotic cells (not relevant here).
• Gene transfer: General term. Conjugation (a type of gene transfer) is direct cell - to - cell DNA transfer in bacteria (but since it's not an option, and by elimination of the other more specific wrong options).

Answer:

gene transfer