How does bacterial transformation transfer genetic information?

In transformation, bacteria transfer genetic information by taking up free, "naked" fragments of DNA from their surrounding environment. Once these DNA fragments are taken up, they can pass through cellular membranes and integrate into the recipient cell's chromosome, allowing the organism to acquire new characteristics and heritable traits.123

For this process to occur efficiently, the bacterial cell must be in a "competent" state, which refers to its specific capability to bind and internalize free DNA fragments. While this state occurs naturally in a limited number of bacterial species—such as Streptococcus, Bacillus, Haemophilus, and Neisseria—many other bacteria can be rendered competent artificially in laboratory settings, for example, by exposure to calcium chloride solutions.1

This mechanism is a cornerstone of molecular genetics and serves as a vital tool in recombinant DNA technology, as it enables the introduction of specific genetic material into an organism to alter its overall characteristics.123