Oxytricha cell division, darkfield light micrograph. Two Oxytricha sp. ciliate protozoa in conjugation. Conjugation results in genetic recombination and nuclear reorganization within the cell. During conjugation, two ciliates of a compatible mating type come together and a bridge forms between their cytoplasms. Their respective micronuclei undergo meiosis and haploid micronuclei are exchanged over the bridge. Following conjugation, the cells separate. Conjugation is a sexual phenomenon, not directly resulting in increase of numbers.