Virus-mediated transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another is called
(a) transduction
(b) transformation
(c) transversion
(d) translation

Options

A. transduction
B. transformation
C. transversion
D. translation

Answer

To solve the question regarding the virus-mediated transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term that describes the process by which a virus transfers DNA between bacteria.

2. **Analyzing Option A: Transduction**:
- Transduction is a well-known process in microbiology where a bacteriophage (a type of virus that infects bacteria) transfers genetic material from one bacterium to another.
- This process involves the virus infecting a bacterium, incorporating some of its DNA, and then transferring that DNA to another bacterium during subsequent infections.
- Therefore, this option is a strong candidate for the correct answer.

3. **Analyzing Option B: Transformation**:
- Transformation refers to the process where a bacterium takes up free DNA from its environment and incorporates it into its own genome.
- This process does not involve a virus, so it cannot be the correct answer.

4. **Analyzing Option C: Transversion**:
- Transversion is a type of mutation that involves the substitution of one base for another in the DNA sequence.
- This term is not related to the transfer of DNA between bacteria and is therefore not the correct answer.

5. **Analyzing Option D: Translation**:
- Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.
- This process does not involve the transfer of DNA and is unrelated to the question.

6. **Conclusion**: After analyzing all the options, the only term that correctly describes the virus-mediated transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another is **Transduction**.

**Final Answer**: (a) transduction

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