rekombinointikyky

Rekombinointikyky, or recombination competence, refers to the biological ability of certain bacteria to incorporate external DNA fragments into their own genome through a process known as natural transformation. This process is a key mechanism in horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to acquire new genetic material from their environment, which can confer advantageous traits such as antibiotic resistance.

The phenomenon was first described in the early 20th century by Frederick Griffith in his experiments with *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, though the term "recombination competence" became more widely recognized through later work by Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty, who demonstrated that DNA, not proteins, was the transforming principle. Competence in bacteria is often regulated by environmental cues, such as population density, nutrient availability, or stress signals, ensuring that transformation occurs under favorable conditions.

Not all bacterial species exhibit recombination competence naturally, but it can be experimentally induced in laboratory settings. Competent cells are typically prepared by exposing bacteria to specific chemical treatments or electrical pulses (electroporation) that temporarily increase membrane permeability. This technique is widely used in molecular biology for introducing foreign DNA into host organisms, such as plasmid vectors for gene cloning.

Rekombinointikyky plays a significant role in bacterial evolution, enabling rapid adaptation to changing environments. However, it also contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, posing challenges in clinical and public health settings. Understanding and controlling recombination competence remains important in both fundamental research and applied microbiology.