Question

How can cells become transformed?

Answer 1

Hint: The transformation can be defined as the incorporation of the foreign DNA into the cell. The natural transformation is very commonly seen in the bacterial cells. The transformation can also take place by the artificial methods like by applying heat shock or use of certain chemicals.

Complete answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the process of transformation.
Transformation is the process of the gene alteration which is the result of the direct incorporation of the exogenous genetic material from its surrounding.
For transformation to take place, the recipient cell must be competent. A competent cell is the cell which can be easily altered. For example, bacterial cells. A cell can be made competent or artificially induced by the electrical or heat shock treatment or by the help of chemicals.

The cells can be transformed by the methods of-
1)Horizontal gene transfer- In this the foreign genetic material is transferred from one bacterial cell to another.
2)Conjugation -the genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another.
3)Transduction- Transduction is the process of injecting the foreign DNA by the help of bacteriophage to the host bacterium.

Note: The significance of transformation is that it is the key to the DNA repair process. It is effective for repairing double stranded damages. The process of transformation is very useful in genetic engineering and in developmental biology. It also finds application in targeted gene therapy. The transformation of bacteria is also important for replicating and storing plasmids which act as the vectors in genetic engineering.