Question

the bacteria in a colony are unable to perform conjugation. how would this hurt the bacterial colonys chance for survival?
a. the bacteria would be forced to reproduce sexually.
b. the bacteria in the colony would lose their genetic material.
c. the bacteria in the colony would be genetically too similar.
d. the bacteria would not be able to use binary fission.

Explanation:

Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene - transfer in bacteria, allowing for genetic diversity. Without it, bacteria mainly rely on asexual reproduction like binary fission, leading to genetically similar offspring. This lack of genetic variation makes the colony more vulnerable to environmental changes and threats.

Answer:

C. The bacteria in the colony would be genetically too similar.