A recipient cell is a bacterial cell that receives genetic material from a donor cell during processes such as transformation, transduction, or conjugation. This transferred genetic material can lead to increased genetic diversity and new traits.
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Recipient cells play a crucial role in horizontal gene transfer, which is essential for genetic diversity in prokaryotes.
In the process of conjugation, the recipient cell receives DNA directly through physical contact with a donor cell via a pilus.
Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA fragments from the environment by a competent recipient cell.
During transduction, bacteriophages mediate the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another, making the recipient cell genetically altered.
The acquisition of new genes by recipient cells can lead to antibiotic resistance or other advantageous traits.
Review Questions
What mechanisms enable a recipient cell to acquire genetic material?
How does transformation differ from conjugation in terms of gene transfer to recipient cells?
Why is the role of recipient cells important for bacterial adaptation and survival?
Related terms
Donor Cell: A bacterial cell that provides genetic material to a recipient cell during horizontal gene transfer.