Origin of transfer

An origin of transfer (oriT) is a short sequence (up to 500 bp) that is necessary for transfer of the DNA that contains it from a bacterial host to recipient during bacterial conjugation. The oriT is cis-acting — it is found on the same DNA that is being transferred, and it is transferred along with the DNA. The origin of transfer consists of three functionally defined domains: a nicking domain, a transfer domain, and a termination domain.