Bacterial transformation is a phenomenon of central importance in molecular biology. It allows for the propagation, genetic expression and isolation of recombinant DNA molecules that have been constructed in vitro as well as natural DNA molecules. Transformation is also of historical importance since it led to the discovery by Avery, in the late 1940's, that DNA was the genetic material.
The transformation process involves the uptake of exogenous DNA by the cell which results in a newly acquired genetic trait that is stable and heritable. Bacterial cells must be in a particular physiological state before they can be transformed. This state is referred to as competency. Competent E. coli cells are fragile and must be treated carefu
|
This is only the first few lines of this paper. If you would like to view the entire paper you need to register here.
|
Get Instant Access to 100,000 Essays!!
|
|
