Question

which among a - e is false?
a. recombination: can be a part of all four horizontal
b. gene transfer mechanisms
c. competence: relates to conjugation
d. hfr cell: f factor integrated into the chromosome
e. f - cell: typically the product of an hfr x f - mating
f. vertical gene transfer: occurs by binary fission in
g. none of a - e are false; all are true

Explanation:

• Option A: Recombination can be part of horizontal gene transfer (e.g., in transformation, transduction, conjugation).
• Option B: Competence is related to transformation (a form of horizontal gene transfer), not conjugation. Conjugation involves direct cell - to - cell contact (usually between an \(F^{+}\) or \(Hfr\) cell and an \(F^{-}\) cell).
• Option C: An \(Hfr\) cell has the \(F\) factor integrated into its chromosome.
• Option D: An \(F^{-}\) cell is the recipient in an \(Hfr\times F^{-}\) mating.
• Option E: Vertical gene transfer occurs by binary fission (parent to offspring in asexual reproduction like in bacteria).

Answer:

B. Competence: relates to conjugation