Question

fill in the blank question

the process by which there is uptake of free dna by competent bacterial cells is .

Explanation:

Identify the biological mechanism

The question describes the uptake of naked, free DNA from the environment by a competent bacterial cell.

Match with genetic transfer mechanisms

Among the horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria:

• Conjugation requires direct cell-to-cell contact.
• Transduction is mediated by a bacteriophage.
• Transformation is the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous (free) DNA from the surroundings.

Answer:

The process by which there is uptake of free DNA by competent bacterial cells is <blank>transformation</blank>.