Transformation is a form of gene transfer in which donor DNA that is fl oating free in the growth medium enters a recipient cell. Conjugation is a second form of gene transfer. It depends on direct...

Transformation is a form of gene transfer in which donor DNA that is fl oating free in the growth medium enters a recipient cell. Conjugation is a second form of gene transfer. It depends on direct cell-tocell contact between a donor carrying a conjugative plasmid (the F plasmid is one example) or an integrated conjugative element and a recipient lacking such a plasmid or element. Transduction is a third form of gene transfer in bacteria involving the packaging of bacterial donor DNA in the protein coat of a bacteriophage.