Natural Competence
In microbiology, genetics, cell biology and molecular biology, competence is the ability of a cell to take up extracellular ("naked") DNA from its environment. Competence may be differentiated between natural competence, a genetically specified ability of bacteria which is thought to occur under natural conditions as well as in the laboratory, and induced or artificial competence, which arises when cells in laboratory cultures are treated to make them transiently permeable to DNA. This article primarily deals with natural competence in bacteria. Information about artificial competence is provided in the article Transformation (genetics).
Read more about Natural Competence: History, Mechanisms of DNA Uptake, Regulation of Competence, Evolutionary Functions and Consequences of Competence
Famous quotes containing the words natural and/or competence:
“It is cowardly to fly from natural duties and take up those that suit our taste or temperament better; but it is also unwise to take an exaggerated view of personal duties, which shuts out the proper care of the mind and body entrusted to us.”
—Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842–1911)
“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
—Bible: New Testament, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6.