Conjugation

The joining of two bacteria cells when genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another.

1. Union of gametes or unicellular organisms during fertilization. 2. The unidirectional transfer of plasmid DNA from one bacterium cell to another, involving cell-to-cell contact. The plasmid usually encodes the majority of the functions necessary for its own transfer. 3. Attachment of sugar and other polar molecules to less polar compounds, thus making them more water soluble.