Describe the different types of bacterial sexual reproduction.

Bacteria do not undergo sexual reproduction like eukaryotes. However, they can exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer mechanisms: 1. Conjugation: Direct transfer of DNA between two bacteria, often involving plasmids. 2. Transformation: Uptake of free DNA from the environment into the bacterium’s genome. 3. Transduction: DNA transfer between bacteria mediated by bacteriophages. These processes allow bacteria to acquire new traits, including antibiotic resistance.