When DNA is transferred from a culture of capsulated pneumococcus to a culture of non capsulated pneumococcus converting the latter into the former type, the process is known as.

Options

A. translocation
B. conjugation
C. transformation
D. transduction

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the process by which DNA is transferred from a capsulated strain of pneumococcus (which is virulent) to a non-capsulated strain (which is non-virulent), resulting in the transformation of the latter into the former type.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are translocation, conjugation, transformation, and transduction. We need to determine which of these processes describes the transfer of genetic material leading to a change in phenotype.

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Translocation**: This term generally refers to the movement of a segment of DNA from one location to another within the genome, not the transfer between different organisms. Therefore, it is not applicable here.
- **Conjugation**: This is a process where two bacterial cells connect and transfer genetic material directly through a pilus. This does not fit the description of DNA transfer in this scenario.
- **Transformation**: This is the process where a bacterium takes up free DNA from its environment and incorporates it into its own genome, leading to a change in phenotype. This matches the description given in the question.
- **Transduction**: This process involves the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage (virus). This is not relevant to the scenario described.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **transformation**. This process was famously demonstrated by Frederick Griffith in his experiments with Streptococcus pneumoniae, where he showed that non-virulent bacteria could become virulent by taking up DNA from heat-killed virulent bacteria.

5. **Final Answer**: The process is known as **transformation**.

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