Zymosis: The Bridge Between Bacterial Cells

Zymosis is a term used in microbiology to describe the formation of a bridge or a connection between two bacterial cells. This connection allows for the exchange of genetic material, such as plasmids or chromosomes, between the cells. Zymosis is also known as conjugation.

Conjugation is a process that involves the direct transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell to another. This process is mediated by the formation of a cytoplasmic bridge between the two cells, which allows for the exchange of genetic material. Conjugation is an important mechanism for the spread of antibiotic resistance and other genetic traits within bacterial populations.

Zymosis can occur between cells of the same or different species, and it is a common mechanism for horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. This process has important implications for the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations, as well as for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat these resistant strains.