NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Given their asexual method of reproduction, it is tempting to think that bacteria are sorely lacking in genetic variation, but this is not the case. Prokaryotic cells have developed a number of methods for recombining their genetic material, which, in turn, contributes to their genetic diversity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Like other organisms, bacteria use double-stranded DNA as their genetic material. However, bacteria organise their DNA differently to more complex organisms. Bacteria have a single circular chromosome that is located in the cytoplasm in a structure called the nucleoid.

Detailed explanation-3: -Without genetic variation, a population cannot evolve in response to changing environmental variables and, as a result, may face an increased risk of extinction. For example, if a population is exposed to a new disease, selection will act on genes for resistance to the disease if they exist in the population.

Detailed explanation-4: -This can occur in two ways: (1) recombination, or integration of the transferred DNA into the bacterial chromosome; or (2) establishment of a plasmid, i.e., the transferred material essentially forms a minichromosome capable of autonomous replication.