Pili connect a bacterium to another of its species, or to another bacterium of a different species, and build a bridge between the cytoplasms of the cells. This enables the transfer of plasmids between the bacteria. An exchanged plasmid can code for new functions, e.g., antibiotic resistance.
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Pili connect a bacterium to another of its species, or to another bacterium of a different species, and build a bridge between the cytoplasms of the cells. This enables the transfer of plasmids between the bacteria. An exchanged plasmid can code for new functions, e.g., antibiotic resistance.