ABSTRACT
E.L.Zechner*, F.de la Cruz, R.Eisenbrandt, A.M.Grahn, G.Koraimann, E.Lanka*, G.Muth, W.Pansegrau, C.M.Thomas, B.M.Wilkins and M.Zatyka
3.1. Introduction
Conjugation is the process whereby a DNA molecule is transferred from a donor to a recipient bacterium via a specialized protein complex called the conjugation apparatus. Conjugation has several relevant characteristics: (i) it requires close physical contact between donor and recipient bacteria, (ii) it is usually mediated by plasmids and transposons, and (iii) as a consequence of plasmid diversity, important details of the process differ from system to system. A broad and, at the same time, detailed previous review of the subject of this chapter can be found in the book “Bacterial conjugation” edited by Clewell (1993a). It is an essential reference for readers who are not familiar with this area of investigation. A more recent review is from Pansegrau and Lanka (1996). Additional specific reviews will be cited in relevant sections of the chapter.
