Conjugation is a mechanism whereby a bacterium can transfer genetic material to an adjacent bacterium. The genetic transfer requires contact between the two bacteria. This contact is mediated by the bacterial appendage called a pilus.

Conjugation allows bacteria to increase their genetic diversity. Thus, an advantageous genetic trait present in a bacterium is capable of transfer to other bacteria. Without conjugation, the normal bacterial division process does not allow for the sharing of genetic information and, except for mutations that occur, does not allow for the development of genetic diversity.

A pilus is a hollow tube constructed of a particular protein. One end is anchored to the surface of a bacterium. The other end is capable of binding to specific proteins on the surface of another bacterium. A pilus can then act as a portal from the cytoplasm of one bacterium to the cytoplasm of the other bacterium...