Conjugation is a contact-dependent mechanism for the transfer of plasmid DNA between bacterial cells. Here, Couturier et al. use live-cell microscopy to visualise the intracellular dynamics of conjugation in real time, revealing a molecular strategy that allows the sequential production of factors involved in establishing, maintaining and disseminating the plasmid.
- Agathe Couturier
- Chloé Virolle
- Christian Lesterlin
