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.
Cando o microorganismo capta e replica o ADN do seu ambiente local, o proceso chámase transformación, e as células que están nun estado fisiolóxico no que poden captar o ADN denomínanse competentes.