Bacterial Conjugation Process Explained with Visual Diagram #3738388 (License: Personal Use)

The image depicts the four key stages of bacterial conjugation: (1) initial contact between donor (carrying an F plasmid) and recipient via a pilus; (2) pilus retraction bringing cells together; (3) nicking of the F plasmid by relaxase, followed by DNA transfer mediated by transferasome and polymerase; and (4) replication of the plasmid in both cells, yielding two donor cells. Enzymes like relaxase and DNA polymerase are labeled to highlight molecular mechanisms.

Used in microbiology education, textbooks, and online learning modules to explain horizontal gene transfer. Matches user intent for understanding prokaryotic reproduction, antibiotic resistance spread, or genetic engineering fundamentals.