Transduction is the process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another. In biology, this often refers to the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another through a virus.
Related terms
Phage: A type of virus that infects bacteria and can carry genetic material from one bacterium to another during transduction.
Conjugation: Another method of gene transfer in bacteria where two cells form a bridge-like connection and exchange genetic information.
Transformation: The process by which bacteria take up DNA from their environment, another way genes can be transferred between cells.