Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria requiring direct cell-to-cell contact via a sex pilus. It allows for the transfer of genetic material (alleles) from a donor cell to a recipient cell.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement II describes the most common form of conjugation. Donor cells carrying a plasmid (like the F-plasmid or R-plasmid) transfer a copy of this plasmid to the recipient. If the plasmid carries new alleles (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes), the recipient gains these traits immediately upon acquiring the plasmid. This statement is true.
Statement I refers to conjugation involving Hfr (High-frequency recombination) strains. In an Hfr cell, the F-plasmid is integrated into the bacterial chromosome. During conjugation, part of the chromosomal DNA is transferred along with the plasmid sequence. Once inside the recipient, this linear DNA fragment can undergo homologous recombination (crossing over) with the recipient's chromosome. This replaces existing alleles with new donor alleles, leading to a permanent change in the recipient's genome. This statement is also true.
Since both chromosomal transfer (recombination) and plasmid transfer lead to the acquisition of new alleles, both statements are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Conjugation facilitates gene transfer via plasmids and chromosomal recombination. Both statements are true.