What is the function of the conjugation pilus?
1 Answer
Conjugation pili allow for the transfer of DNA between bacteria, in the process of bacterial conjugation.
Explanation:
The main functions of congugation pili are -
1) they initiate contacts between mating pairs.
2) they facilitate the transfer of genetic materials.
3) they draw mating cells into a close contact which increases the fertility of the union.
Schematic drawing of bacterial conjugation.
Bacteria have evolved the process of conjugation as a way to increase genetic variability. The cell with the conjugation pilus, attaches to another cell, connecting the cytoplasm of each cell and allowing molecules of DNA to pass through the hollow pilus.
Typically the DNA transferred, consists of the genes required to make and transfer pili, which is encoded on a plasmid. However other pieces of DNA are often co transferred. This can result in dissemination of genetic traits through out a bacterial population such as antibiotic resistance. Not all bacteria can make conjugation pili, but conjugation can occur between bacteria of different species.
