What is the process of conjugation in bacteria?

Conjugation in bacteria is a process where genetic material is exchanged between two bacterial cells through direct contact. This typically involves one bacterium transferring a plasmid, which is a small, circular piece of DNA, to another bacterium. This process can lead to genetic diversity among bacterial populations, allowing for the spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance. Conjugation often involves specialized structures called pili, which facilitate the attachment and transfer of genetic material between the donor and recipient cells.

The other options describe different biological processes that do not accurately represent conjugation. Nutrient exchange pertains to metabolic exchanges that occur in cooperative bacterial communities, cell division refers to binary fission where a single bacterial cell divides into two identical cells, and the formation of endospores describes a survival mechanism that allows bacteria to endure harsh conditions, none of which involve the direct exchange of genetic material as seen in conjugation. Thus, the process characterized by direct contact and genetic exchange is distinctly identified as conjugation.