conjugation (redirected from Conjugations)

conjugation, in genetics

conjugation, in genetics: see recombination.

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conjugation, in grammar

conjugation: see inflection.

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conjugation

Interaction of adjacent bonds in a chemical compound having alternating single and double covalent bonds. The conjugated bonds show modified characteristics because of increased electron delocalization and sharing. Conjugation occurs, for example, within a molecule containing a chain of carbon atoms linked by alternating single and double bonds. Such a conjugated system often gives rise to substances with intense colours—e.g., the biological pigments called carotenes. Another example is the carboxyl group (see carboxylic acid; functional group), in which the double bond of the carbonyl group (−C=O) is adjacent to the single bond attaching the hydroxyl group (−OH) to the carbon atom.

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conjugation

1. a type of sexual reproduction in ciliate protozoans involving the temporary union of two individuals and the subsequent migration and fusion of the gametic nuclei

2. (in bacteria) the direct transfer of DNA between two cells that are temporarily joined

3. the union of gametes, esp isogametes, as in some algae and fungi

4. the pairing of chromosomes in the early phase of a meiotic division

5. Chem the existence of alternating double or triple bonds in a chemical compound, with consequent electron delocalization over part of the molecule