What process brings about an exchange of genetic information betwenn bacterial cell?

Answer 1

bacteria have 2 kinds of DNA. one is the circular DNA, which governs how they look, what they eat, etc. just like us. another is something called a plasmid. its also a band of DNA, but holds codes for stuff like antibiotic resistance -stuff they acquire and are not born with.

it is possible to have horizontal transfer through plasmids, i.e. one bacterium can pass on antibiotic resistance to another (exchange of genetic information).

plasmids are commonly used (by humans) to synthesise human insulin for diabetics. they genetically engineer the bacteria and insert the human insulin gene. this method is better than the conventional way of using pig or cattle insulin because it would not trigger an allergy, or immune response. it is also more easily obtained, and cheaper. plus, you avoid ethical reasons such as killing animals, and non-vegetarian sources.

cheers :)

Answer 2

conjugation