What happens when a donor F+ cell conjugates with a F- recipient cell?
When a donor F+ cell conjugates with a F- recipient cell, the recipient cell becomes F+.
Explanation
When a donor F+ cell conjugates with a F- recipient cell, the recipient cell becomes F+.
In bacterial conjugation, when a donor F+ cell conjugates with a F- recipient cell, the recipient cell becomes F+. This means that the recipient cell acquires the F factor from the donor cell and gains the ability to act as a donor in future conjugation events. The F factor is a plasmid that contains genes responsible for the transfer of genetic material.
During conjugation, the donor F+ cell forms a conjugation bridge, also known as a sex pilus, which connects the donor and recipient cells. Through this bridge, the F factor is transferred from the donor cell to the recipient cell. The recipient cell incorporates the F factor into its own genetic material, making it F+.
Once the recipient cell becomes F+, it can now act as a donor in future conjugation events and transfer the F factor to other F- cells. This allows for the spread of genetic material and the exchange of traits between bacterial cells.