Definition for Conjugation

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In reference to bacterial conjugation, this is a type of genetic transfer between bacteria that involves a direct physical interaction between two bacterial cells. In other words, this is when two bacteria directly transfer genetic material while being temporarily joined together by a sex Pilus - a "sex" appendage. DNA is usually transferred one-way the “male” use pili to attach to recipient, and pulls the two cells together and a temporary cytoplasmic bridge forms for DNA to transfer the genetic material.