What process is used by bacteria to exchange genetic material?

Bacteria exchange genetic material primarily through the process of conjugation. This method involves direct contact between bacterial cells, allowing one bacterium to transfer genetic material, typically in the form of plasmids, to another. Conjugation is particularly significant because it can facilitate the transfer of genes that confer advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance, enhancing survival and adaptability.

In contrast, mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence within a single organism and does not involve the exchange of genetic materials between different bacteria. Replication refers to the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division, ensuring that both daughter cells receive a complete set of genetic information, but it does not involve exchanging material between different organisms. Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, which is a fundamental step in gene expression, but again does not involve the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. Thus, conjugation stands out as the correct answer, emphasizing the unique ability of bacteria to share genes directly and enhance genetic diversity.