Which process allows the introduction of a gene of interest into a bacterial cell?

Bacterial transformation is the process that allows the introduction of a gene of interest into a bacterial cell. During transformation, bacteria can take up foreign DNA from their surroundings, which can include plasmids or fragments containing desired genes. This is a fundamental technique used in genetic engineering, allowing researchers to modify bacterial genomes, express new proteins, or produce genetically engineered products.

In this process, the bacterial cell membrane becomes permeable to DNA, often through treatment with calcium ions and heat shock or electroporation. Once the foreign DNA is inside, the bacteria can express the gene of interest, leading to the production of the corresponding protein. Understanding bacterial transformation is crucial for molecular biology and biotechnological applications since it is a primary method for creating genetically modified organisms.