alleryStart learning →Conjugation moves DNA between prokaryotes using which structure?
AA flagellum beating between cells
BA capsule bridging the two cells
CA ribosome passed between cells
DA pilus bringing the cells together
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. A pilus bringing the cells together
1. In conjugation, DNA passes from one prokaryote to another by means of a pilus.
2. The pilus draws the two cells close enough to make contact so the transfer can happen.
3. The DNA moved can be a plasmid or a hybrid of plasmid and chromosomal DNA.
4. Flagella drive movement and ribosomes build proteins, so neither transfers genes.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 22 "Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea", section 22.2 Structure of Prokaryotes_
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