conjugation The temporary union of unicellular organisms, during which genetic material is transferred between the two cells. In prokaryotes, plasmids transfer copies of bacterial genes from one bacterium to another. Gene transfer as a means of plasmid movement was discovered by Joshua Lederberg and Edward Tatum in 1947. Related categories • MICROBIOLOGY • GENETICS AND HEREDITY • CELL BIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |