Figure 20.1: Discovery of Transformation

Mechanism of Transformation- Transformation is the process by which cell free DNA is taken up by another bacteria. The principle steps of transformation are given in Figure 20.2.The DNA from donor bacteria binds to the competent recipient cell and DNA enters into the cell. The DNA enters into the recipient cell through a uncharacterized mechanism. The DNA is integrated into the chromosomal DNA through a homologous recombination. Naturally transformation is common between closely related species only.