Transformation

The process by which exogenous DNA is taken up by recipient cells, sphaeroplasts, or protoplasts — a cornerstone of genetic engineering. The DNA may be plasmids that replicate autonomously or fragments integrating into host chromosomes. Transformation creates improved starter cultures, enzyme-producing strains, and research models: a dairy bacterium transformed to resist bacteriophage, or a yeast expressing a novel enzyme. In food biotechnology, transformed strains are regulated as GMOs, requiring contained use, risk assessment, and — for food applications — authorisation addressing safety, labelling, and consumer choice.