What are the differences between transformation and conjugation in bacteria?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Transformation

Conjugation

Definition

Is the genetic alteration of a cell caused by the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material from the external cellular environment through the cell membrane

Is the process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact

Vector

Free extracellular DNA transfers in transformation

Direct cell-to-cell contact occurs in conjugation

Nature of DNA transferred

Any or selected genes

Chromosomal and plasmid DNA

Rate factors

Pair-wise compatibility of donor and recipient

Competence rate of the recipient

Constraints

Approximately 1% of the species is transformable

Is only possible for conjugative and mobilizable plasmids

Advantages

Transformation can transfer any gene

Is DNase resistant

Limitation

Is DNase sensitive, and a relatively low range of bacteria can be made competent

Only mobile genetic elements such as transposons and mobilizable plasmids can be transferred

Basis of differentiation	Transformation	Conjugation
Definition	Is the genetic alteration of a cell caused by the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material from the external cellular environment through the cell membrane	Is the process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact
Vector	Free extracellular DNA transfers in transformation	Direct cell-to-cell contact occurs in conjugation
Nature of DNA transferred	Any or selected genes	Chromosomal and plasmid DNA
Rate factors	Pair-wise compatibility of donor and recipient	Competence rate of the recipient
Constraints	Approximately 1% of the species is transformable	Is only possible for conjugative and mobilizable plasmids
Advantages	Transformation can transfer any gene	Is DNase resistant
Limitation	Is DNase sensitive, and a relatively low range of bacteria can be made competent	Only mobile genetic elements such as transposons and mobilizable plasmids can be transferred

Constraints

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