CONJUGATIVE PILI
\kˈɒnd͡ʒuːɡətˌɪv pˈɪli], \kˈɒndʒuːɡətˌɪv pˈɪli], \k_ˈɒ_n_dʒ_uː_ɡ_ə_t_ˌɪ_v p_ˈɪ_l_i]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
Filamentous or elongated proteinaceous structures which extend from the cell surface in gram-negative bacteria that contain certain types of conjugative plasmid. These pili are the organs associated with genetic transfer and have essential roles in conjugation. Normally, only one or a few pili occur on a given donor cell. (From Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed, p675) This preferred use of "pili" refers to the sexual appendage, to be distinguished from bacterial fimbriae (FIMBRIAE, BACTERIAL), also known as common pili, which are usually concerned with adhesion.
By DataStellar Co., Ltd
Word of the day
dust storm
- a windstorm that lifts up clouds of dust or sand a windstorm that lifts up clouds dust or sand; "it was the kind of duster not experienced in years"