The Following Question Refers to the Figure

question 8

Multiple Choice

The following question refers to the figure.
In this eight-year experiment, 12 populations of E. coli, each begun from a single cell, were grown in low-glucose conditions for 20,000 generations. Each culture was introduced to fresh growth medium every 24 hours. Occasionally, samples were removed from the populations, and their fitness in low-glucose conditions was tested against that of members sampled from the ancestral (common ancestor) E. coli population.

If the experimental population of E. coli lacks an F factor or F plasmid, and if bacteriophages are excluded from the bacterial cultures, then beneficial mutations might be transmitted horizontally to other E. coli cells via ________.

• A) sex pili
• B) transduction
• C) conjugation
• D) transformation

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Definitions:

Hydraulic Fluid Pressure

The force exerted by fluids when contained within a hydraulic system, used to transmit power or motion.

Brake Boosters

Devices that use vacuum or hydraulic pressure to increase the force applied to the vehicle's brakes, reducing the effort needed by the driver.

Dedicated Hydraulic Pump

A hydraulic pump assigned to perform a specific task or operate a particular component in a hydraulic system, ensuring the needed hydraulic fluid flow.

Hygroscopic

Capable of absorbing moisture; a characteristic of some brake fluids. This is an advantage for hydraulic brake fluid because it inhibits water droplets that can cause corrosion, freeze, or boil.