Does conjugation occur in gram-positive bacteria?

Sourav PanDecember 7, 2024

Answered

Yes, conjugation occurs in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, though the mechanisms differ. In Gram-positive bacteria, the process typically involves surface proteins called adhesins that facilitate direct contact between donor and recipient cells, rather than using a pilus as in Gram-negative bacteria. Examples include Enterococcus faecalis, which can transfer plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance genes via conjugation. The process still requires physical contact between cells for DNA transfer.