Final answer:
Prokaryotes exchange genetic material through direct interactions between two different bacteria in a process called conjugation. During conjugation, a structure called an F pilus or sex pilus is formed by the donor bacterial cell, which attaches to the recipient bacterial cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotes can exchange genetic material through direct interactions between two different bacteria in a process called conjugation.
During conjugation, a structure called an F pilus or sex pilus is formed by the donor bacterial cell, which attaches to the recipient bacterial cell. The membranes of the two cells merge, allowing for the direct transfer of genetic material, usually in the form of plasmids, from the donor cell to the recipient cell.