Relating to or involving conjugation, the process of joining or coupling, particularly in biology and chemistry. This term highlights the act of two entities merging or interacting, often to share or exchange genetic material or properties. It describes a process where elements combine, unite, or pair up, reflecting a bonding or linking characteristic. Applied contexts range from bacterial conjugation to the pairing of chromosomes. The term emphasizes the action of joining or becoming interconnected.
Conjugational meaning with examples
- Bacterial resistance genes spread through conjugational transfer, enabling rapid evolution and antibiotic resistance. This horizontal gene transfer underscores the importance of understanding these processes for controlling infectious diseases.
- During meiosis, conjugational pairing of homologous chromosomes ensures proper segregation and genetic diversity, which is essential for sexual reproduction.
- In chemistry, the term describes the overlapping of p-orbitals in conjugated systems, which can influence light absorption and reactivity, leading to unique properties.
- The conjugational formation of a new bond in organic chemistry can lead to interesting byproducts in various chemical reaction processes and interactions.
- Scientists studying the conjugational mechanism by which viruses insert their genetic material into a host's genome are making vital research progress.