"Conjugation"

Conjugation in bacteria is the transfer of genetic material from an F⁺ cell to an F^- cell. Genetic material is passed through a thin tube-like structure carried on the surface of the F⁺ cell, called the F pilus. F⁺ cells are referred to as having an F factor, the fertility plasmid that allows the donor cell to conjugate with the recipient via the F pilus.