Gene Exchange by Conjugation

Question 1

Cell-to-cell transfer of a plasmid

Answer 1

The original cell retains the
plasmid and one strand moves into the recipient cell (where
the other strand is replicated)

Also called mating but its not sexual reproduction!

Question 2

Requirements for conjugation:

Cell-to-cell contact between donor & recipient cells via a

Answer 2

pilus made by the donor cell

Question 3

Requirements for conjugation:

tra genes -

Answer 3

these encode the pilus and other apparatus
necessary for conjugation

Question 4

oriT (origin of transfer)

Answer 4

this is the site where rolling-circle
replication begins to make a copy of the plasmid DNA that
is exchanged with the neighboring cell (in contact via pilus)
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