How is bacterial transformation used?

Bacterial transformation is used in genetic research and biotechnology to introduce foreign DNA into bacterial cells. This process enables the production of recombinant proteins, the study of gene expression, and the development of genetically modified organisms. It is commonly employed in cloning, where plasmids carrying genes of interest are inserted into bacteria to produce proteins like insulin or enzymes for industrial applications. Transformation also allows researchers to manipulate genetic pathways and investigate bacterial physiology.