Define bacterial transformation and mention one commonly used method to achieve it.
Answer
Transformation is the uptake of foreign DNA by a bacterial cell; a common method is calcium‑chloride (CaCl₂) competent cell treatment followed by heat‑shock.
Step-by-step solution
- State that transformation refers to the process by which a bacterial cell takes up exogenous plasmid DNA from its surroundings.
- Identify a routine laboratory technique: treating bacterial cells with CaCl₂ to make them competent, then exposing them briefly to a temperature rise (42 °C) – the heat‑shock method.
- Mention that after heat‑shock, cells are recovered in a nutrient medium before plating on selective agar.
Common mistake: Confusing transformation with transduction (virus‑mediated DNA transfer).
Concept tested: Bacterial transformation technique
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