#queue should be studying

transformation

this is the first of three techniques of genetic recombination. it occurs when a cell picks up a bit of dna from nearby and uses it to replace some of the cell's alleles. this can change its genotype (genetic code) and its phenotype (physical structure/appearance).

transduction

in order for transduction to be carried out, the prokaryotes need assistants: bacteriophages! bacteriophages are viruses that target bacteria specifically. these viruses can take dna from one host and inject it into another, thus enable genetic recombination. this is usually an accident, as carrying dna from a bacterium can inhibit a virus from carrying its own reproductive material.

conjugation