BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Bacterial transformation is a biological process in which foreign genetic material is introduced into a bacterial cell, resulting in a change in its genetic makeup. It is a means by which bacterial cells can take up and incorporate exogenous DNA molecules, often in the form of plasmids or fragments of DNA, into their own genome. This process allows for the transfer of specific genes, genetic traits, or other genetic material between different bacterial strains or even across species barriers.
The process of bacterial transformation typically involves several key steps. First, the bacterial cells are prepared to become competent, meaning they are made capable of taking up DNA. This can be achieved through various methods, such as the exposure to specific chemicals or an electrical pulse. Once the bacterial cells are competent, they can take up the exogenous DNA molecules and integrate them into their own genome. The inserted DNA can then be expressed by the bacterial cell, leading to the production of proteins or the manifestation of specific traits encoded by the foreign genetic material.
Bacterial transformation has several important applications in molecular biology and biotechnology. It is commonly used as a tool in genetic engineering to introduce specific genes or traits into bacteria, allowing for the study or modification of their function. Additionally, bacterial transformation can be employed in the production of various products, such as medicines or genetically modified organisms. Overall, bacterial transformation is a powerful tool that allows for the transfer and expression of foreign genetic material in bacterial cells, providing researchers with a fundamental method for studying and manipulating the genetic makeup of bacteria.
Common Misspellings for BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION
- vacterial transformation
- nacterial transformation
- hacterial transformation
- gacterial transformation
- bzcterial transformation
- bscterial transformation
- bwcterial transformation
- bqcterial transformation
- baxterial transformation
- bavterial transformation
- bafterial transformation
- badterial transformation
- bacrerial transformation
- bacferial transformation
- bacgerial transformation
- bacyerial transformation
- bac6erial transformation
- bac5erial transformation
- bactwrial transformation
- bactsrial transformation
Etymology of BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION
The term "bacterial transformation" has its roots in Latin and Greek etymology.
The word "bacterial" is derived from the noun "bacterium", which comes from the Greek word "baktērion" meaning "small rod". It was coined by German microbiologist Ferdinand Cohn in 1872.
The word "transformation" originates from the Latin verb "transformare", which is a combination of the prefix "trans", meaning "across" or "beyond", and the root "formare", meaning "to form" or "to shape". The concept of transformation in biology refers to the alteration of genetic material, where a cell takes in external DNA and integrates it into its own genome.
Therefore, the term "bacterial transformation" combines the meaning of "small rod-shaped microorganisms" (bacteria) and the process of genetic change or recombination (transformation).
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
