The process of conjugation
The X-Bacteria experiment explores how antibiotic resistance can spread between bacteria by the process of conjugation. This process involves two bacterial cells coming together in a temporary fusion to transfer genetic material via a plasmid from the donor cell to the recipient cell.
Although this process is carried out in The X-Bacteria, it can be difficult to picture what is going on at a cellular level. This interactive animation allows you to see the steps involved as antibiotic resistance is passed from the donor cell to the recipient cell. Use it with your students when you're introducing the experiment, or as a reminder after they have 'mated' the two bacterial cultures.
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This could be because you don't have Flash player installed on your machine. Flash is a free application which is quick and easy to install, taking around two minutes to download on a 56K modem.
