What does conjugation refer to in bacteria?

Conjugation in bacteria specifically refers to the transfer of genetic material between two connected bacterial cells. This process occurs when one bacterium forms a physical connection, usually through a structure known as a pilus, to another bacterium. The donor cell transfers a copy of its plasmid or a portion of its chromosomal DNA to the recipient cell. This method of genetic exchange plays a critical role in bacterial evolution and can contribute to the spread of advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance, among bacterial populations.

In contrast, replication of genetic material pertains to the process by which a bacterium duplicates its own DNA before cell division, which is not the same as conjugation. Absorption of nutrients from the environment refers to how bacteria take in essential compounds for growth and metabolism, rather than the sharing of genetic information. Formation of spores for reproduction involves a different reproductive strategy that allows certain bacteria to survive harsh conditions but does not relate to the transfer of genetic material between cells.