Question

which correctly describes a process that occurs in bacteria?
in binary fission, the two new cells that are formed are susceptible to the same antibiotic.
in conjugation, bacterial dna is transferred from one bacterium to another by a replicating virus.
in transduction, the cells that are formed are susceptible to the same antibiotic.
in transformation, a special sex pilus is required to connect two bacterial cells.

Explanation:

• Binary fission: It is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. The daughter cells produced are genetically identical to the parent cell. If the parent cell is susceptible to an antibiotic, the daughter cells (formed by binary fission) will also be susceptible to the same antibiotic as they have the same genetic makeup.
• Conjugation: In conjugation, a direct cell - to - cell contact (through a sex pilus) is established between two bacteria, and DNA is transferred from one bacterium (donor) to another (recipient). It is not mediated by a replicating virus.
• Transduction: Transduction is the transfer of bacterial DNA by a virus (bacteriophage). The genetic material of the recipient cell can be altered. So, the cells formed may not be susceptible to the same antibiotic as the donor cell (if the transduced DNA confers antibiotic resistance).
• Transformation: In transformation, bacteria take up free DNA from the environment. A sex pilus is not required for this process. The sex pilus is associated with conjugation.

Answer:

In binary fission, the two new cells that are formed are susceptible to the same antibiotic.