Bacterial transformation is a process where bacteria take up foreign DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This can occur naturally when bacteria die and release their DNA, which nearby bacteria can absorb. The new genetic information can lead to changes in the bacteria's traits, such as antibiotic resistance. This process is significant in molecular biology and genetic engineering. Scientists often use bacterial transformation to introduce new genes into bacteria, allowing for the production of proteins or other substances. This technique is essential for research and applications in fields like medicine and biotechnology.