DNA transfer by conjugation is more efficient in a liquid medium setting,subjected to very mild agitation (stirring),rather than on an agar plate format.Why?
A)Direct cell-to-cell contact is required for this process,and this is more likely to be achieved in the plate format than in the fluid format (especially for relatively non-motile types of bacteria).
B)Direct cell-to-cell contact isn't required for this process,so the ability to secrete the DNA into the surrounding fluid medium makes the process more efficient than the dry surface of an agar plate.
C)Direct cell-to-cell contact is required for this process,and this is more likely to be achieved in the fluid liquid format than on an agar plate (especially for relatively non-motile types of bacteria).
D)Trick question-it can take place with the same degree of efficiency on either format.It doesn't matter!

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conjugation requires direct cell-to-cell contact between the donor and recipient cells for DNA transfer to occur. In a liquid medium setting, mild agitation can increase the probability of cells coming into contact. Agar plates provide a dry surface, and direct cell-to-cell contact is less likely to happen, especially for non-motile bacteria. Thus, the transfer by conjugation is more efficient in a liquid medium setting rather than on an agar plate format.

DNA Transfer by Conjugation Is More Efficient in a Liquid