Can gram-positive bacteria participate in conjugation?

Yes, Gram-positive bacteria can participate in conjugation, though the mechanism differs from that in Gram-negative bacteria. In Gram-positive bacteria, conjugation typically involves surface proteins, such as adhesins, to mediate direct contact between donor and recipient cells. The donor bacteria may transfer plasmids, including those that carry antibiotic resistance genes, to the recipient via a mating bridge, without the use of a pilus.