How Do You Spell CONJUGATIVE PILI?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒnd͡ʒuːɡətˌɪv pˈɪli] (IPA)

The term "Conjugative Pili" is a scientific term used to describe the hair-like appendages found on the surface of some bacteria that are involved in the process of conjugation. The spelling of this word can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription as kɒndʒʊɡeɪtɪv paɪli. The "j" in "Conjugative" is pronounced like a "dzh" sound, while the stress falls on the second syllable of the word. The "i" in "Pili" is pronounced like a long "e" sound. This term is frequently used in microbiology research and is important in understanding the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria.

CONJUGATIVE PILI Meaning and Definition

1. Conjugative pili, also known as sex pili or F-pili, are thin, filamentous structures found on the surface of certain bacteria. They are involved in a process called bacterial conjugation, which allows for the transfer of genetic material, typically in the form of plasmids, between bacterial cells.

   Conjugative pili are composed of repeating subunits of protein called pilin, which extend from the bacterial cell surface. They are relatively long and flexible compared to other types of bacterial surface appendages, such as fimbriae or flagella. The protein pilin is encoded by genes located on the bacterial chromosome or on the plasmid itself.

   The primary function of conjugative pili is to mediate the attachment of the donor bacterial cell to a recipient cell during conjugation. The pilus contracts, pulling the two cells together, and a specialized structure called the pilus bridge is formed between them. This bridge allows for the transfer of plasmid DNA from the donor to the recipient cell.

   Conjugative pili play a crucial role in the horizontal transfer of genetic material, allowing for the spread of beneficial traits or the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes within a bacterial population. They are a fundamental mechanism of genetic exchange and contribute to the evolution and adaptation of bacteria.

   In summary, conjugative pili are filamentous appendages on the surface of bacteria that facilitate the transfer of genetic material between cells through a process called conjugation. They are involved in the formation of a physical bridge between a donor and recipient cell, enabling the transfer of plasmids and the spread of genetic information.

Common Misspellings for CONJUGATIVE PILI

• xonjugative pili
• vonjugative pili
• fonjugative pili
• donjugative pili
• cinjugative pili
• cknjugative pili
• clnjugative pili
• cpnjugative pili
• c0njugative pili
• c9njugative pili
• cobjugative pili
• comjugative pili
• cojjugative pili
• cohjugative pili
• conhugative pili
• connugative pili
• conmugative pili
• conkugative pili
• coniugative pili
• conuugative pili

Etymology of CONJUGATIVE PILI

The word "conjugative pili" originates from the field of molecular biology, specifically in the study of bacterial conjugation.

Etymologically, "conjugative" comes from the Latin word "conjugare", which means "to join" or "to unite". In the context of bacterial conjugation, it refers to the ability of certain bacteria to transfer genetic material (such as plasmids) from one bacterium to another by joining and forming a bridge between the cells.

"Pili" is the plural form of "pilus", which is a term derived from Latin and means "hair" or "thread". In the case of bacteria, pili are slender, hair-like projections on the surface of the cell that play various roles, including attachment, motility, and in the case of conjugative pili, the transfer of genetic material during bacterial conjugation.