In what ways are conjugation and transformation similar and in what ways are they different?

Conjugation and transformation are both kinds of horizontal gene tranfer that allow the cell to receive and recombine external DNA. Conjugation as we know requires a physical contact between the two bacteria. Transformation requires a simple take of the naked DNA into the recipient cell from the environment.

Conjugation and transformation are both kinds of horizontal gene transfer that allow a cell to receive and recombine external DNA. Conjugation involves physical contact between two bacteria using a pilus, through which a copy of plasmid DNA is transferred from the donor (F+) cell to the recipient (F-) cell. Transformation, on the other hand, is simple uptake of naked DNA into a recipient cell from the environment. The DNA usually comes from the leftovers of a dead cell.