Final answer:
Competent cells, in the context of bacterial transformation, refer to bacterial cells that have been treated to make them capable of taking up foreign DNA from their environment. These cells have altered cell wall permeability, allowing the introduction of exogenous genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Competent cells are created through a process known as competence induction, during which bacteria are treated to increase their permeability to DNA. This can be achieved through various methods, such as chemical treatment, electrical pulses, or heat shock. The goal is to temporarily disrupt the bacterial cell wall, making it more porous and facilitating the entry of foreign DNA molecules.
The cells are then said to be "competent" for transformation, meaning they are ready to undergo the process of taking up and incorporating exogenous genetic material into their genome.
The competence of bacterial cells is a natural phenomenon observed in some bacterial species as part of their survival strategy. In the laboratory, researchers can induce competence in bacteria to introduce specific genes or genetic constructs for various applications, such as genetic engineering or the production of recombinant proteins. Competent cells provide a valuable tool for molecular biologists and genetic engineers, enabling the manipulation of bacterial genomes for scientific research and biotechnological purposes.
In summary, competent cells are bacterial cells that have been treated to enhance their ability to take up foreign DNA. This process is a fundamental technique in molecular biology, allowing researchers to introduce and express desired genetic material in bacterial organisms.