Asked by abongile nyathi on Jun 14, 2024
Verified
When two viruses infect a cell at the same time, there is a possibility of gene exchange between the two. This is called ____.
A) gene swapping
B) horizontal gene transfer
C) viral exchange
D) viral reassortment
E) conjugation
Viral Reassortment
Multiple strains of virus infect a host simultaneously and swap genes.
Horizontal Gene Transfer
Transfer of genetic material between existing individuals.
Gene Exchange
The process by which genes are transferred from one genome to another through mechanisms such as transformation, conjugation, and transduction, or exchanged between chromosomes through recombination.
- Understand the processes of genetic exchange and reproduction in bacteria and viruses.
Verified Answer
WN
Wendy NeyraJun 16, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Viral reassortment, also known as genetic recombination or reassortment, occurs when two different strains of a virus infect the same host cell and exchange genetic material. This can lead to the creation of new, hybrid strains with unique characteristics. Horizontal gene transfer (B) typically refers to the transfer of genetic material between organisms, rather than between viruses within a cell. Gene swapping (A) and viral exchange (C) are not commonly used terms in virology. Conjugation (E) is a mechanism of bacterial genetic exchange, rather than viral.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the processes of genetic exchange and reproduction in bacteria and viruses.