Question

Describe transformation and explain how bacteria uses transformation in the environment

Answer 1

Transformation process is one of three forms of horizontal gene transfer, which occur in bacteria, in which DNA encodes trait passes from one bacterium to another. It is combined with the recipient genome by homologous recombination. This process is the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material from its surroundings through the membrane of cell. For occurrence of this process, bacteria must be in a state of competence and occur as a time-limited response to ecological conditions such as starvation and cell density.

Bacterial transformation is a key step in molecular cloning, the aim of which is to produce multiple copies of a recombinant DNA molecule. The steps for the formation of recombinant plasmids are explained in cloning basics and involve insertion of a DNA sequence of interest into a vector backbone. In the process of transformation, the DNA is established into a competent strain of bacteria and then the bacteria replicate the sequence of interest in amounts suitable for further analysis and manipulation. DNA cloning is the process, which makes many copies of a specific piece of DNA. In a typical cloning experiment, first insert a piece of DNA, such as a gene, into a circular piece of DNA known as a plasmid. This step uses restriction enzymes and DNA ligase and process called as ligation.

After a ligation, transfer the DNA into bacteria, this process known as transformation. Then, we can use antibiotic selection and DNA analysis methods to identify bacteria, which contain the plasmid.