When microorganisms are able to take up and replicate DNA from their local environment, the process is termed transformation, and cells that are in a physiological state such that they can take up DNA are said to be competent.
=== Vnos rekombinante DNA v gostiteljski organizem ===Zmes DNA-molekul, ki smo jo pripravili "in vitro", prenesemo nazaj v živo celico, ki ji pravimo gostiteljski organizem.