Chapter 16, Problem 5AL

Summary Introduction

Direct uptake of genetic materials (exogenous material) such as a plasmid or a linear DNA fragment by the cell through the cell membrane from the surroundings is called transformation. Transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another bacterium is known as transformation. In transformation, the free DNA molecule is incorporated from the donor to the recipient cell or bacterium and that lead to a genetic change. In genetic transformation, if the bacterium is able to receive the DNA molecule and be transformed is known as competent. The DNA molecule can be bound to the bacterium and received inside. The capacity of receiving DNA is genetically determined.