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conjugational

conjugational

9.4
The transfer of genes between cells or other living things
  • adjective
  • /ˌkɒn.dʒʊˈɡeɪ.ʃən.əl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conjugacional
  • The scientists studied the conjugational mechanisms that allow bacteria to exchange DNA.

Examples

  • Certain antibiotics can inhibit conjugational transfer of resistance genes among microbes.

  • Understanding conjugational processes is important for controlling the spread of genetic traits in bacteria.

  • The conjugational process is vital for genetic diversity.

  • Many bacteria engage in conjugational transfer of DNA.

  • The researchers studied the conjugational transfer of genes between bacteria in the laboratory.

  • During the experiment, they observed conjugational events that facilitated genetic exchanges among microorganisms.

  • The conjugational mechanism is essential for understanding how traits are passed between different species.

Synonyms

conjugative
vsconjugational
  • Specialized
9.5

Able to transfer genes between bacteria by direct contact

is a general term for the same process across cells and organisms

Surface Forms

conjugational positive

Morphology

conjugational = conjugation (transparent) = conjug + ation + al

The adjective is formed regularly by adding -al to the technical noun conjugation, so the relation is clear once the base is known.

Etymology

Conjugational comes from the Latin word conjugare, made of con- 'together' and jug- 'yoke' or 'join'. In biology this is a helpful image: conjugational transfer is like two cells 'joining' so they can pass genetic material.