The bacterial cell must be made competent then word competent refers here______ .

Options

A. Should increase their metabolic reactions
B. Should decrese their metabolic metabolic reactions
C. Ability to divide fast
D. Increase efficeiny with which DNA enters the bacterium.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the term "competent":** In the context of bacterial cells, the term "competent" refers to the ability of a bacterial cell to take up foreign DNA from its environment. This is a crucial step in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

2. **Making bacteria competent:** To make bacterial cells competent, specific methods are employed. One common method involves the use of calcium ions, which help in destabilizing the cell membrane, making it more permeable to DNA.

3. **Heat shock method:** After treating the bacterial cells with calcium ions, a heat shock method is applied. This involves placing the cells in a cold water bath followed by a sudden increase in temperature (usually around 42 degrees Celsius). This temperature shock creates a thermal imbalance that facilitates the uptake of DNA.

4. **Cold shock:** After the heat shock, the cells are returned to a cold environment. This process helps stabilize the cells and allows them to incorporate the foreign DNA more effectively.

5. **Conclusion:** Therefore, in this context, "competent" refers to the ability of the bacterial cell to efficiently take up and incorporate foreign DNA, which is essential for various applications in biotechnology.

**Final Answer:** The term "competent" refers to the ability of a bacterial cell to take up foreign genetic material from its environment.

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