Starting in 1945, Escherichia Coli Became a Bacterium of Choice

question 22

Multiple Choice

Starting in 1945, Escherichia coli became a bacterium of choice to study basic cellular processes and gene function. What specific feature of E. coli is responsible for its rise to prominence as a model system?

• A) very fast growth rate
• B) ability to grow in suspension culture and on agar plates
• C) ability to transfer a copy of a plasmid from one cell to another
• D) the fact that it has small, circular DNA

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Definitions:

Non-twin Relatives

Family members who are not twins but share a genetic relationship, such as siblings or cousins.

Traits

Enduring characteristics or tendencies that define an individual's behavior, thought patterns, and emotional responses.

Allele

A particular variant, or form, of a gene; most genes have two or more alleles.

Gene

A basic unit of heredity made up of DNA that contains the instructions needed to develop and direct the activities of cells in an organism.