Can a bacterial chromosome be transferred through conjugation?

Yes, a bacterial chromosome can be transferred during conjugation, but this typically occurs in high-frequency recombination (Hfr) strains. When a conjugative plasmid integrates into the bacterial chromosome, the transfer machinery can initiate DNA transfer from the chromosomal integration site. Chromosomal gene transfer usually starts near the origin of transfer and proceeds sequentially. However, the entire chromosome is rarely transferred due to time constraints during the mating process.