Which process enables genetic material transfer between bacteria, increasing genetic diversity?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Conjugation
• C. Sporulation
• D. Transformation

Answer: (B)

Conjugation is the process that enables direct transfer of genetic material between bacteria, boosting diversity. It happens when two cells physically connect via a sex pilus, allowing DNA—often a plasmid, though sometimes a portion of the chromosome—to be passed from donor to recipient. This horizontal gene transfer introduces new genes and traits into the recipient, such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic capabilities, changing the genetic makeup of the population.

Binary fission is an asexual process that copies the entire genome and yields identical offspring, so it doesn’t create new combinations of genes. Sporulation is a survival tactic that forms resistant spores, not gene transfer. Transformation involves uptake of free DNA from the environment, which can increase diversity but not through direct transfer between two living cells in contact. Hence, conjugation best fits the description of transferring genetic material between bacteria to increase diversity.