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(a) Why must a cell be made ‘competent’ in biotechnology experiments? How does calcium ion help in doing so?
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Competent cells are a prerequisite for introducing recombinant DNA into host cells, aiding genetic transformation in biotechnology applications.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Cells require competency to absorb exogenous DNA during transformation. Calcium ions mitigate the electrostatic repulsion between DNA and the cell membrane by neutralizing their negative charges, thereby facilitating the entry of foreign DNA into the cell. Competent cells are indispensable for effective genetic engineering, a process involving the introduction of foreign DNA into recipient cells. This methodology is broadly applied in scientific research, industrial applications, and medical advancements for purposes such as DNA cloning, genetic alteration, and protein synthesis.
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