Conjugation Notes

Conjugation

• Gene transfer requiring direct contact between donor and recipient cells.
• Involves a plasmid, a small DNA piece separate from the main chromosome carrying genetic information.
• Process:
  • Contact between donor and recipient cells via cell surface structures.
  • Plasmid mobilized for transfer when an enzyme cleaves one strand at the origin of transfer (a specific nucleotide sequence).
  • A single strand of the plasmid, starting at the origin of transfer, enters the recipient cell.
  • Inside the recipient cell, a complementary strand to the single DNA strand is synthesized.
  • With sufficient mixing, all cells eventually become donors.