What happens during bacterial transformation?

During bacterial transformation, foreign DNA is introduced into a bacterial cell, either naturally or through artificial methods. In natural transformation, competent bacteria bind and internalize DNA from the environment. In artificial transformation, chemically or electrically treated bacteria take up DNA through temporary pores in their membranes. The introduced DNA may integrate into the bacterial genome or remain as an independent plasmid, where it is expressed, leading to new genetic traits in the bacterium.