What is bacterial conjugation? A. Bacterial conjugation is a method by which bacteria communicate with each other to coordinate group behaviour. B. Bacterial conjugation is a process where bacteria absorb DNA from their surrounding environment for genetic transformation. C. Bacterial conjugation is a process where bacteria exchange genetic material (DNA) through a direct physical connection, leading to genetic diversity and enhancing survival chances. D. Bacterial conjugation is a type of simple bacterial reproduction where a single bacterium divides into two identical cells.

The correct answer is C. Bacterial conjugation is a process where bacteria exchange genetic material (DNA) through a direct physical connection, leading to genetic diversity and enhancing survival chances.

Explanation: Bacterial conjugation involves the transfer of genetic material (typically plasmids) between two bacterial cells through a direct physical connection, often facilitated by a pilus. This process is important for generating genetic diversity within bacterial populations and can contribute to the spread of beneficial traits, such as antibiotic resistance, across a population.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Bacterial conjugation is a method by which bacteria communicate with each other to coordinate group behaviour: This is inaccurate. While some bacteria communicate via quorum sensing to coordinate behaviors, this is not what conjugation is. Conjugation involves the physical transfer of genetic material, not just communication.
• B. Bacterial conjugation is a process where bacteria absorb DNA from their surrounding environment for genetic transformation: This describes transformation, not conjugation. Transformation involves the uptake of free DNA from the environment, whereas conjugation requires direct contact between bacterial cells.
• D. Bacterial conjugation is a type of simple bacterial reproduction where a single bacterium divides into two identical cells: This describes binary fission, which is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria, not conjugation. Conjugation involves genetic exchange, not reproduction.