Final answer:
Covalent linkage between pilus components during bacterial conjugation is facilitated by proteins encoded by the F plasmid. The F pilus, produced by a donor cell, attaches to a recipient cell, enabling DNA transfer. Both cells subsequently restore their respective plasmids by synthesizing complementary strands.
Step-by-step explanation:
To generate covalent linkage between pilus components, a process known as bacterial conjugation is involved. During this process, a donor cell uses the F pilus, also known as a sex pilus, to attach to the recipient cell. This F pilus is composed of proteins that are encoded by the F plasmid, also referred to as the fertility factor. Once attached, the donor cell synthesizes a complementary strand to restore the full plasmid following transfer, and the recipient cell does the same to become a new cell capable of forming a pilus. This entire mechanism is essential for DNA transfer among bacterial cells and is governed by the presence of the F plasmid encoding the necessary proteins for this event.