Final answer:
Transformation in biology refers to the uptake of external DNA by a cell, resulting in genetic changes. It is a core concept in AP® Biology and was first demonstrated by Griffith's experiments in 1928. Despite its importance, transformation is considered a low-yield procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, transformation refers to the process by which external DNA is taken up by a cell, leading to changes in its morphology and physiology. This concept is often explored in AP® Biology courses, particularly in labs related to biotechnology and bacterial transformation. One historical example of this is Griffith's transformation experiments conducted in 1928, which helped establish the role of DNA in heredity by transforming non-pathogenic bacteria strains to pathogenic ones.
Despite the significance of this process, it is important to note that transformation is a low-yield procedure, meaning that relatively few cells will typically take up the plasmid DNA after treatment like heat shock or electroporation.
Students studying transformation in the context of AP® Biology might also learn how to compare transformation with other types of horizontal gene transfer, such as transduction and conjugation. Moreover, they may be asked to design experiments to assess factors affecting transformation efficiency, such as investigating how plasmids that confer antibiotic resistance can transform a specific strain of Escherichia coli. Understanding transformation is key to grasping modern genetic engineering techniques and the fundamentals of molecular biology.