microconjugant

biology

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June 30, 2026

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A microconjugant is the smaller member of a pair of conjugating protozoans or anisogamous gametes. Conjugation in biology refers to the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another through direct cell-to-cell contact. This process is a way for bacteria to exchange genetic information, though it's not a true sexual reproduction as only one partner typically receives new DNA.12

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protozoan
Autogamy and modified conjugation
…normal feeding individuals, and the microconjugants resemble the swarmers, although smaller. When a microconjugant locates a macroconjugant, it enters and fuses with it. This is quite different from the temporary association between two cells that occurs during sexual reproduction in most ciliates.
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…normal feeding individuals, and the microconjugants resemble the swarmers, although smaller. When a microconjugant locates a macroconjugant, it enters and fuses with it. This is quite different from the temporary association between two cells that occurs during sexual reproduction in most ciliates.
Read More