What form of recombination occurs during the process of conjugation in bacteria?

Conjugation in bacteria is a process of genetic exchange that occurs through direct cell-to-cell contact, which is characterized as a form of horizontal gene transfer. During this process, one bacterium, typically referred to as the donor, forms a physical connection with another bacterium, known as the recipient. This connection is made possible through specialized structures such as pili.

Once the two cells are in contact, the donor cell can transfer genetic material, usually in the form of plasmids, directly to the recipient. This transfer does not involve any passive uptake of DNA from the environment (as seen in transformation) or the involvement of viral vectors (as in transduction). Instead, conjugation results in a functional and immediate genetic exchange, allowing for the rapid spread of traits such as antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the mechanism of conjugation as vital for understanding how genetic diversity is generated in bacterial species, essential knowledge for microbiology and infectious disease management.