conjugation

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conjugation A process whereby organisms of identical species (but opposite mating types) pair and exchange genetic material (DNA): i.e. usually each individual both gives and receives material. This process of sexual reproduction is found only in unicellular organisms such as bacteria and Protozoa, although it is sometimes also applied to the union of gametes, particularly in isogamy. Details of the process differ greatly between different organisms. For example, in bacteria only DNA is transferred from one cell to another, while in some eukaryotic microbes the process may involve the fusion of two entire cells. The transfer of DNA may be unidirectional (as in the case of Escherichia coli), in which case one cell is called the donor and the other the recipient, or bidirectional (as in Paramecium aurelia).

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