The transfer of genes from one bacterium to another by the action of a temperate bacteriophage acting as a vector (transmitting agent). It occurs when a phage excises from a bacterial genome in a faulty manner, taking some of the bacterial genes with it and leaving some of its own behind. The transferred genes (the transducing material) are incorporated into the bacterial genome of a new host cell and result in the transduced cell showing a permanent genetic change. Abortive transduction is sometimes seen, in which the transferred genes do not become incorporated into the genome but remain as a plasmid in the cell. The recipient bacterium then only shows the new properties until the plasmid is lost from the cell. Transduction occurs naturally at low frequency but this can be increased substantially under laboratory conditions. It is an important tool in genetic engineering.
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