Question

Which of the following is not true for specialized transduction?

(a) The lysogenic viruses can perform this

(b) A variety of genes can be transformed in this case

(c) The viral genome is then incorporated in the bacterial genome

(d) It is seen in lamda phage like K12

The question was asked in final exam.

Enquiry is from Gene Mapping in Bacteria by Transduction in chapter Genomics : The Mapping and Sequencing of Genomes of Cytogenetics

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) A variety of genes can be transformed in this case

For explanation I would say: Here the viral genome is actually incorporated in the bacterial genome at a particular site. The virus can transfer the gene surrounding its recombination site only. It is certainly through lusogenic cycle which is seen in lamda phages including K12.