CONJUGATIVE PILUS Meaning and
Definition
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A Conjugative Pilus refers to a thin, thread-like, appendage that is present on the surface of certain bacterial cells. This specialized structure is involved in the process of bacterial conjugation, which is a mechanism whereby genetic material, such as plasmids, can be transferred between two bacterial cells.
The Conjugative Pilus is responsible for the physical connection and transfer of genetic material from the donor cell to the recipient cell during bacterial conjugation. It acts as a bridge or conduit, allowing for the exchange of DNA. This exchange can result in the spread of advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance or virulence factors, among bacterial populations.
The Conjugative Pilus is composed of proteins, primarily pili or fimbriae, which extend out from the bacterial cell surface. These fimbriae enable the pilus to attach to the surface of the recipient cell, bringing the cells into close proximity for efficient DNA transfer.
Moreover, the Conjugative Pilus is dynamic in nature, undergoing repetitive extension and retraction motions to facilitate contact between cells. This movement is driven by molecular machines within the bacterial cell, which generate the necessary force for pilus extension and retraction.
In summary, a Conjugative Pilus is a hair-like appendage found on certain bacteria, responsible for facilitating the transfer of genetic material through bacterial conjugation. It acts as a bridge between the donor and recipient cells, allowing for the exchange of DNA and potentially spreading advantageous traits throughout bacterial populations.
Common Misspellings for CONJUGATIVE PILUS
- xonjugative pilus
- vonjugative pilus
- fonjugative pilus
- donjugative pilus
- cinjugative pilus
- cknjugative pilus
- clnjugative pilus
- cpnjugative pilus
- c0njugative pilus
- c9njugative pilus
- cobjugative pilus
- comjugative pilus
- cojjugative pilus
- cohjugative pilus
- conhugative pilus
- connugative pilus
- conmugative pilus
- conkugative pilus
- coniugative pilus
- conuugative pilus
Etymology of CONJUGATIVE PILUS
The word "conjugative" comes from the Latin word "conjugare", which means "to join together". "Pilus" is a Latin word meaning "hair" or "thread". Therefore, the term "conjugative pilus" refers to a hair-like appendage that is involved in the process of bacterial conjugation, where genetic material is transferred between the bacteria through direct cell-to-cell contact.
