Final answer:
Transformation is a mechanism where a prokaryote takes up DNA from its environment, increasing genetic diversity. Unlike binary fission, transformation allows for the introduction of new genetic traits, potentially transforming nonpathogenic bacteria into pathogenic ones if they acquire certain genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transformation is a genetic exchange mechanism in prokaryotes where DNA from the surrounding environment is taken up by a prokaryotic cell and potentially incorporated into its genome. This process enables genetic variation, as the foreign DNA may originate from other prokaryotes that have shed this material. Unlike binary fission, which is a form of asexual reproduction producing identical offspring, transformation can introduce new genetic traits into the prokaryotic cell, such as resistance to antibiotics or the ability to utilize new substrates. In some cases, transformation can lead to the emergence of new pathogenic traits if nonpathogenic bacteria acquire genes for toxins or other virulence factors from pathogenic bacteria.
In addition to transformation, there are two other methods by which prokaryotes can exchange genetic material: (b) transduction, which involves the transfer of DNA from one cell to another via bacteriophages, and (c) conjugation, where DNA is directly transferred between cells through a pilus. These methods contribute to the genetic diversity and adaptability of prokaryotic populations.