How does bacterial conjugation work?

Bacterial conjugation begins with the donor cell forming a pilus to connect to the recipient cell. The conjugative plasmid in the donor encodes the proteins necessary for this process. Once contact is established, the pilus retracts to bring the cells closer together. The donor cell then initiates the transfer of a single-stranded DNA molecule, either a plasmid or a segment of chromosomal DNA, to the recipient. During transfer, the DNA is replicated in both cells to restore its double-stranded form, ensuring genetic continuity. The process is mediated by enzymes encoded by the conjugative plasmid and requires energy.