Bacterial Conjugation

Bacterial Conjugation- Definition, Principle, Process, Examples

Introduction of Bacterial Conjugation

In bacterial conjugation, genetic material is directly transferred from one bacterium (the donor) to another (the receiver) through direct cell-to-cell contact. This process is known as horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. The pilus, a specialized structure that joins the two cells, aids in this process.

The technique of direct genetic material transfer between two bacterial cells that are momentarily joined by their flagella is known as bacterial conjugation. A pilus, a bridge of cytoplasm created by the receiving cell in reaction to the presence of a donor cell, connects the cells. A plasmid, or portion of the donor cell’s genetic material, is transferred to the recipient cell during this process.

The donor cell initiates the creation of the pilus, which marks the start of the bacterial conjugation process. By serving as a conduit, the pilus enables the donor cell to send its plasmid DNA to the recipient cell. The receiving cell’s DNA then contains the plasmid, making it resistant to specific antibiotics.

Principle of Bacterial Conjugation

  • The foundation of bacterial conjugation is the idea that close physical contact is necessary for the transfer of genetic material, such as plasmids, from the donor to the recipient cell.
  • The F (fertility) plasmid of E. coli was the first to be identified among all the conjugative plasmids and is also one of the most well-studied.
  • The F plasmid is a big (about 100 kilobases) plasmid that is found in one or two copies per cell. E. Coli that carry the F plasmid are called recipient (F– or female) cells, and E. Coli that do not have the F plasmid are called donor (F+ or male) cells. The F plasmid can only be transferred from donor cells to recipient cells.
  • Mating pair formation necessitates close contact between cells in order for the F plasmid to pass from donor to recipient.
  • Then, through the activity of many enzymes, the two cells’ membranes fuse, transferring genetic material.
  • The replication of donor DNA takes place after membrane fusion and is incorporated into the receiving cell.

Process of Bacterial Conjugation

  1. Formation of the Pilus: A pilus, or hair-like appendage, is produced by the donor bacteria and adheres to the recipient bacterium’s surface.
  2. Mating Pair Formation: A conjugation bridge, or mating channel, arises between the two bacteria as a result of the pilus retracting and bringing them close together.
  3. Transfer of Genetic Material: Via the conjugation bridge, a single-stranded copy of the plasmid DNA from the donor bacterium is nicked and transferred to the recipient bacterium. A double-stranded plasmid is created in the receiver by replicating the single-stranded DNA that was transferred.
  4. Separation of Cells: Following the completion of the transfer, the two bacteria split apart as the conjugation bridge disintegrates. A copy of the plasmid is currently present in both the donor and recipient bacteria.

Examples of Bacterial Conjugation

  • Genes necessary for pilus formation and plasmid transfer are found on the F-plasmid, also known as the fertility plasmid. An F-cell (lacking the F-plasmid) receiver can become a F+ cell by receiving the F-plasmid from an E. Coli cell carrying the F-plasmid (F+).
  • Genes that resist antibiotics are carried by R-plasmids. Antibiotic resistance can spread among bacteria through the conjugation of R-plasmids. In clinical settings where multi-drug resistance germs can develop, this is a serious concern.
  • In order to introduce new genes into plants through genetic engineering, Agrobacterium tumefaciens employs conjugation to transfer a piece of its Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid to plant cells, causing crown gall disease.
Bacterial Conjugation

Conclusion

A crucial process for horizontal gene transfer, bacterial conjugation has a significant impact on the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of bacterial communities. It has substantial effects on biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine and facilitates the quick spread of beneficial features like antibiotic resistance. Comprehending the fundamentals and mechanisms of bacterial conjugation might facilitate the formulation of tactics to counteract antibiotic resistance and utilize this mechanism for advantageous purposes.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

What are the four steps in bacterial conjugation?

The four stages of conjugation are as follows: (i) donor recognition/attachment to recipient cell; (ii) channel production; (iii) ssDNA generation that is transferred; and (iv) establishment in the new host.

What is the purpose of conjugation?

Verbs are altered by conjugation to convey various ideas, such as person, mood, and tense. Conjugations thus serve the purpose of conveying information, which is one of language’s main purposes.

What is the application of bacterial conjugation?

One of the main ways that genetic information is transferred from bacteria to other eukaryotic organisms, such as plants, is by bacterial conjugation. Conjugative systems are present in phages, transposons, plasmids, and integrating chromosomal elements.

Related Article