In which process do bacteria take up genetic material from their environment?

Bacteria take up genetic material from their environment through a process known as transformation. During transformation, a bacterial cell absorbs naked DNA present in its surroundings, which can originate from the remains of other cells that have lysed and released their genetic material. This process allows for genetic variation among bacterial populations, enabling them to gain new traits, such as antibiotic resistance, metabolic capabilities, or virulence factors.

The significance of transformation is highlighted by its role in horizontal gene transfer, which contributes to evolution and adaptation in bacterial species. Unlike transduction, which involves the transfer of DNA via bacteriophages, or conjugation, which entails direct cell-to-cell contact for the transfer of plasmid DNA, transformation is characterized by the uptake of free DNA from the environment. Binary fission, on the other hand, is a method of asexual reproduction where a single bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells, and does not involve the exchange or uptake of genetic material.