Final answer:
Contact between an F+ cell and an F- cell is essential for bacterial conjugation to occur, as the conjugation pilus must bring the two cells into physical contact for the transfer of genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contact is required between an F+ and an F- cell for conjugation to occur. The correct answer to the question is a) true.
Conjugation is a process where genetic material is transferred directly between two prokaryotic cells. In the case of Escherichia coli, this involves a donor cell with an F plasmid (F+ cell) attaching to a recipient cell without this plasmid (F- cell) using a structure called a conjugation pilus, or F pilus.
The pilus facilitates physical contact between the cells, which is pivotal for the transfer of genetic material. Therefore, this contact is a prerequisite for conjugation to successfully occur and for the F- cell to receive genetic material and potentially become an F+ cell.