Polyethylene glycol can help in the uptake of foreign DNA into the host cell, this type of gene transfer is called as:

Options

A. Electroporation
B. Microinjection
C. Particle gun
D. Chemical mediated genetic transformation

Answer

To answer the question about the role of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in gene transfer, we can break down the solution into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding DNA and Cell Membranes**:
- DNA is a hydrophilic molecule, which means it cannot easily pass through the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of cell membranes. This presents a challenge for introducing foreign DNA into host cells.

**Hint**: Remember that hydrophilic substances struggle to cross hydrophobic barriers.

2. **Making Host Cells Competent**:
- To facilitate the uptake of foreign DNA, host cells need to be made competent. Competent cells are those that can take up DNA from their environment. There are several methods to achieve this, including heat shock, microinjection, and chemical methods.

**Hint**: Competent cells are essential for successful gene transfer.

3. **Chemical Methods for Transformation**:
- One of the chemical methods used to make cells competent is the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG helps in the fusion of protoplasts (cells without cell walls) and aids in the uptake of foreign DNA.

**Hint**: Chemical methods often involve substances that enhance cell permeability.

4. **Protoplast Fusion**:
- PEG facilitates protoplast fusion, which allows the foreign DNA to enter the host cell. This is a critical step in the process of genetic transformation.

**Hint**: Protoplast fusion is a key mechanism in plant biotechnology for gene transfer.

5. **Identifying the Type of Gene Transfer**:
- The method involving PEG for the uptake of foreign DNA is specifically referred to as "chemical-mediated genetic transformation." This term encompasses the use of chemicals to enhance the ability of cells to take up DNA.

**Hint**: Look for terms that describe the method of introducing DNA into cells.

### Final Answer:
The type of gene transfer that involves polyethylene glycol helping in the uptake of foreign DNA into the host cell is called **chemical-mediated genetic transformation**.