Final answer:
Environmental factors that can influence bacterial cell competence include exposure time, microbe type, treatment intensity, and environmental conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Environmental factors that can influence whether or not a bacterial cell is competent include:
- Length of exposure time
- Type of microbe targeted
- Susceptibility to the protocol
- Intensity of the treatment
- Presence of organics that may interfere with the protocol
- Environmental conditions that may alter the effectiveness of the protocol
These factors can affect the ability of a bacterial cell to take up foreign DNA. For example, exposing the cell to a specific treatment such as a chemical or an electric field can increase the permeability of the cell membrane, making it easier for the cell to uptake DNA molecules. The presence of interfering substances or unfavorable environmental conditions can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when attempting to make bacterial cells competent for DNA uptake.