Conjugation (biochemistry)

Conjugation in the field of biochemistry refers to the transfer of genetic material between two bacterial cells that are temporarily joined. This process is one of the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, which is the transfer of genes between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Overview

Conjugation occurs in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as in some archaea. The process requires cell-to-cell contact, typically mediated by pili structures on the donor cell. The genetic material transferred is often a plasmid, a small, circular piece of DNA that is separate from the chromosomal DNA.

Process

The process of conjugation can be divided into several steps:

1. Pilus Formation: The donor cell forms a pilus, a hair-like appendage that reaches out to the recipient cell.
2. Cell Contact: The pilus attaches to the recipient cell, bringing the two cells into close contact.
3. DNA Transfer: The donor cell replicates its plasmid and transfers a copy to the recipient cell through a structure called a conjugation bridge.
4. Separation: After the transfer, the cells separate. Both cells now have a copy of the plasmid.

Significance

Conjugation plays a significant role in the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. When a bacterium acquires a plasmid carrying resistance genes through conjugation, it becomes resistant to certain antibiotics. This resistance can then be passed on to subsequent generations or to other bacteria through further conjugation events.

See also

• Transformation (genetics)
• Transduction (genetics)
• Bacterial conjugation
• Horizontal gene transfer
• Antibiotic resistance

References

Conjugation (biochemistry) Resources
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