Two different strains of a mutant phage infect a single bacterium. One phage strain is d–e+ and
the other is d+e–. The coinfected phages produce the wild-type phenotype in the bacterium: one
phage supplies the wild-type gene product from a d+ allele, and the other supplies the wild-type
gene product from the e+ allele. What genetic phenomenon does this demonstrate?
a.
complementation
b.
specialized transduction
c.
recombination
d.
generalized transduction
e.
both a and b are correct
f.
both a and c are correct
g.
both b and c are correct
h.
both a and d are correct
Solution
Answer: (a) Complementation.
The phenotype indicates that the two mutations complement each other, i.e, one phage supplies
the d+ while the other supplies the e+ gene product.
Its not recombination (which includes transduction) because recombination would have produced
the auxotrophs, i.e, d+e- and d-e+ as well along with the wild type (d+e+)..
Two different strains of a mutant phage infect a single bacterium. O.pdf
1. Two different strains of a mutant phage infect a single bacterium. One phage strain is d–e+ and
the other is d+e–. The coinfected phages produce the wild-type phenotype in the bacterium: one
phage supplies the wild-type gene product from a d+ allele, and the other supplies the wild-type
gene product from the e+ allele. What genetic phenomenon does this demonstrate?
a.
complementation
b.
specialized transduction
c.
recombination
d.
generalized transduction
e.
both a and b are correct
f.
both a and c are correct
g.
both b and c are correct
h.
both a and d are correct
Solution
Answer: (a) Complementation.
The phenotype indicates that the two mutations complement each other, i.e, one phage supplies
the d+ while the other supplies the e+ gene product.
Its not recombination (which includes transduction) because recombination would have produced
the auxotrophs, i.e, d+e- and d-e+ as well along with the wild type (d+e+).
