Final answer:
Bacterial conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer in which genetic material is directly transferred from one bacterium to another through a conjugation pilus. It involves the attachment of a donor cell to a recipient cell, the formation of a cytoplasmic bridge, and the transfer of genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in which genetic material, usually a plasmid, is directly transferred from one bacterium (donor cell) to another (recipient cell) through a conjugation pilus.
The basic steps of bacterial conjugation include:
- Donor cell (F+ cell) produces an F pilus, or sex pilus.
- The F pilus attaches the donor cell to the recipient cell.
- Membranes of the two cells merge, forming a cytoplasmic bridge.
- Genetic material, typically a plasmid, is transferred from the donor cell to the recipient cell through the cytoplasmic bridge.
This process allows for the exchange of genetic material between bacteria, leading to genetic variation and the spread of beneficial traits.