Transduction can lead to the transfer of genes responsible for which of the following?

Transduction is a process of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where bacterial DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria). This mechanism can significantly impact bacterial populations by introducing new genetic material, which may include genes responsible for the production of bacterial toxins or those conferring antibiotic resistance.

Bacterial toxins are often encoded by plasmids or specific genes that can be transferred via transduction, leading to the ability of a bacterium to produce harmful substances. Similarly, antibiotic resistance genes can also be carried by bacteriophages and inserted into the genome of recipient bacteria, enhancing their survival in the presence of antibiotics.

Thus, transduction can lead to the transfer of both bacterial toxins and antibiotic resistance genes, making the correct option a combination of both possibilities. This dual capability highlights the significance of transduction in bacterial evolution and the spread of traits that can impact human health and treatment options.