Final answer:
The process of inserting recombinant DNA into a bacterial cell from the environment is called transformation. This is a key technique in genetic engineering and involves exposing bacteria to recombinant plasmids, followed by selection of successfully transformed cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the process of inserting recombinant DNA from the environment into a bacterial cell is known as transformation. During this procedure, the recipient cell takes up free DNA directly from its surroundings, which can then be incorporated either as a separate plasmid or into the host genome. This method of changing a bacterial cell by introducing new genetic material is a fundamental technique of genetic engineering.
Transformation is the most commonly utilized method for molecular cloning, where bacteria are exposed to recombinant plasmids in a laboratory setting. It's crucial to understand that this process does not always succeed, thus selection is carried out to ensure that only the bacteria which have successfully taken up the recombinant DNA are used for further applications.