Transformation in bacteria is defined as what process?

Transformation in bacteria is defined as what process?

• A. Direct uptake of naked DNA from the environment by competent cells
• B. Transfer of DNA via bacteriophage
• C. Transfer of DNA via sex pili
• D. DNA replication without transfer

Answer: (A)

Transformation is the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by competent bacteria. When cells become competent, they can bind and import DNA fragments released by other bacteria, and this DNA can recombine into the recipient genome or exist as a plasmid, introducing new genetic traits. This form of horizontal gene transfer is distinct from transduction, which uses bacteriophages to move DNA between cells, and from conjugation, which requires direct cell-to-cell contact via sex pili to transfer DNA. It’s also different from simply replicating the cell’s own genome without acquiring external DNA.

Transformation is the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by competent bacteria. When cells become competent, they can bind and import DNA fragments released by other bacteria, and this DNA can recombine into the recipient genome or exist as a plasmid, introducing new genetic traits. This form of horizontal gene transfer is distinct from transduction, which uses bacteriophages to move DNA between cells, and from conjugation, which requires direct cell-to-cell contact via sex pili to transfer DNA. It’s also different from simply replicating the cell’s own genome without acquiring external DNA.