Lederberg and Tatum Used the Bacterial Strains Bio^-met^-leu⁺thr⁺thi⁺and Bio⁺met⁺leu^-thr^-thi^-in Their

Multiple Choice

Lederberg and Tatum used the bacterial strains bio^-met^-leu⁺thr⁺thi⁺and bio⁺met⁺leu^-thr^-thi^-in their experiments to determine if genetic recombination occurs in bacteria. Would it have been better to use two strains with the genotypes met^-leu⁺and met⁺leu^-instead?

A) Yes, because it is easier to study two genes than five genes.
B) Yes, because the met^-leu⁺and met⁺leu^-strains only have one mutation, which makes it easier for genetic recombination to occur.
C) No, because the met^-leu⁺and met⁺leu^-strains only have one mutation. A single random mutation could restore methionine or leucine synthesis in the strains.
D) No, because strains with only one nutrient-deficient gene can still grow on minimal medium.
E) No, because cells have two genes that encode different versions of leucine, so the met⁺leu^-strain would still be able to grow on minimal medium.