Describe bacterial conjugation and support your description with a diagram of two bacteria undergoing conjugation. In the diagram, label the fimbriae and pili.
Genetic Recombination
Recombination is crucial to this process because it allows genes to be reassorted into diverse combinations. Genetic recombination is the process of combining genetic components from two different origins into a single unit. In prokaryotes, genetic recombination takes place by the unilateral transfer of deoxyribonucleic acid. It includes transduction, transformation, and conjugation. The genetic exchange occurring between homologous deoxyribonucleic acid sequences (DNA) from two different sources is termed general recombination. For this to happen, an identical sequence of the two recombining molecules is required. The process of genetic exchange which occurs in eukaryotes during sexual reproduction such as meiosis is an example of this type of genetic recombination.
Microbial Genetics
Genes are the functional units of heredity. They transfer characteristic information from parents to the offspring.
Describe bacterial conjugation and support your description with a diagram of two bacteria undergoing conjugation. In the diagram, label the fimbriae and pili.
![**Bacterial Conjugation**
Bacterial conjugation is a process of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria that involves direct cell-to-cell contact. This form of genetic exchange enables bacteria to share genetic information, such as antibiotic resistance genes, thereby contributing to genetic diversity within bacterial populations.
During conjugation, a donor bacterium with a plasmid, typically containing a fertility factor (F factor), forms a conjugation bridge to a recipient bacterium using structures called sex pili (singular: pilus). The pilus attaches to the recipient cell and retracts to bring the two cells into close contact.
The plasmid DNA in the donor cell is then replicated, and one copy is transferred through the conjugation bridge to the recipient cell. After the transfer of plasmid DNA, the recipient cell becomes a new donor capable of initiating conjugation with other bacteria.
**Diagram Explanation**
The diagram should depict two bacteria in the process of conjugation.
- **Bacteria 1 (Donor)**: This bacterium will have a plasmid containing the F factor.
- **Bacteria 2 (Recipient)**: This bacterium initially does not have the plasmid.
- **Pilus**: Draw the pilus as a thin tube extending from the donor to the recipient.
- **Fimbriae**: These should be depicted as short, hair-like structures scattered over the surfaces of both bacteria.
The labels "Fimbriae" and "Pilus" should clearly identify these structures on the diagram.
```plaintext
[Draw a simplified diagram of two rod-shaped bacteria side by side, with the pilus connecting them. Label as follows:]
1. Draw two rod-shaped bacteria side by side.
2. Draw one or more thin tubes connecting the two bacteria. Label this as "Pilus."
3. Scatter short, thin lines around the surfaces of both bacteria. Label these as "Fimbriae."
4. Highlight the plasmid within the donor bacterium.
5. Indicate the direction of plasmid transfer from the donor to the recipient.
```
By understanding bacterial conjugation, learners can appreciate the mechanisms behind genetic variation and the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance within bacterial populations.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F889d931a-8866-489d-ace4-ce407cf915d3%2Fe89a196d-e72e-4898-8919-d8b354dff856%2F44s5cn_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
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