Conjunction

 This is the process in which DNA from the donor cell is transferred into the host cell via cell-to-cell contact.

In most cases this is mediated by a conjugative plasmid, it is normally the DNA in this plasmid that is transferred. Occasionally non plasmid DNA can be transferred as long as they contain mobalisation genes.

The initial contact is made by a protruding pilus that connects both cells. The pilus then