Conjugation

Conjugation is the process of the transfer of DNA without fusion of gametes, a method of asexual reproduction in microorganisms. Here, filaments of opposite gender line up, and tubes form between corresponding cells. The male cells then become amoeboid and crawl across, or sometimes both cells crawl into the tube. The cells then meet and fuse to form a zygote spore, which later undergoes meiosis to produce new filaments. Only the female passes chloroplasts on to the offspring, as in higher plants.