Question

In which phase of growth does the recipient cell take up the donor DNA?

(a) Lag phase

(b) Early logarithmic phase

(c) Late logarithmic phase

(d) Stationary phase

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

This question is from Genetic Recombination topic in section Genetic Recombination of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Late logarithmic phase

For explanation I would say: Conditions suitable for uptake of donor DNA into recipient cells occur only during the late logarithmic phase of growth. In the logarithmic phase, the bacteria keep on dividing.