The transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through the mediation of a vector like virus is termed as

Options

A. a) transduction
B. b) conjugation
C. c) transformation
D. d) translation

Answer

To answer the question, "The transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through the mediation of a vector like virus is termed as," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about a specific process in which genetic material is transferred between bacteria with the help of a vector, specifically a virus.

2. **Identifying the Process**: The process that fits this description is known as "transduction." In transduction, a bacteriophage (a type of virus that infects bacteria) acts as a vector to transfer genetic material from one bacterium to another.

3. **Explaining Transduction**: During transduction, a bacteriophage infects a donor bacterium and incorporates some of its genetic material. When the bacteriophage infects a new recipient bacterium, it can transfer this genetic material, thereby facilitating genetic exchange.

4. **Evaluating Other Options**:
- **Conjugation**: This is a process where genetic material is transferred directly between bacteria through a structure called sex pili, without the involvement of a virus.
- **Transformation**: This involves the uptake of free DNA from the environment by a bacterium, again without any viral mediation.
- **Translation**: This is a biological process where mRNA is converted into protein, which is unrelated to the transfer of genetic material between bacteria.

5. **Conclusion**: Given the definitions and processes discussed, the correct answer to the question is "transduction."

### Final Answer:
The correct term for the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through the mediation of a vector like a virus is **transduction**.

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