genetic conjugation http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85031142 http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D003227 http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GO_0000746 A parasexual process in bacteria; algae; fungi; and ciliate eukaryota for achieving exchange of chromosome material during fusion of two cells. In bacteria, this is a uni-directional transfer of genetic material; in protozoa it is a bi-directional exchange. In algae and fungi, it is a form of sexual reproduction, with the union of male and female gametes. The union or introduction of genetic information from compatible mating types that results in a genetically different individual. Conjugation requires direct cellular contact between the organisms. conjugation zygosis multi-organism cellular process