What process involves transferring genetic material via phages?

The process that involves transferring genetic material via phages is known as transduction. In this mechanism, bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) facilitate the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another. When a phage infects a bacterial cell, it can accidentally incorporate fragments of the host’s DNA into its own viral DNA. When this phage goes on to infect a new bacterial cell, it can introduce this genetic material into the new host. This method of genetic exchange can lead to changes in the recipient bacterium, potentially granting it new traits, such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic capabilities.

In contrast, conjugation refers to a direct physical connection between two bacteria, typically through a structure called a pilus, allowing for the transfer of plasmid DNA. Transformation involves the uptake of free DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell, rather than via a phage. Lastly, replication is the process of duplicating DNA, which does not involve the transfer of genetic material between organisms. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique role of transduction in microbial genetics.