What methods can be used to insert foreign DNA into host cells?

The selection of viral transduction, transformation, and transfection as the correct methods for inserting foreign DNA into host cells highlights established and effective techniques used in genetic engineering and molecular biology.

Viral transduction involves using viruses that can infect host cells to deliver foreign DNA. These engineered viruses can effectively introduce genetic material into a wide range of cells, leveraging the natural capacity of viruses to penetrate cell membranes and facilitate the incorporation of their own genetic material into the host genome.

Transformation refers specifically to a method where bacterial or plant cells take up naked DNA from their environment. This is naturally facilitated, as certain organisms possess the ability to uptake DNA, but it can also be induced artificially in laboratory settings. In many cases, this involves the use of specific chemicals or treatments to make the cell membrane permeable to the foreign DNA.

Transfection is a term commonly used to describe the introduction of nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells using various techniques, such as calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, and electroporation. This method allows for transient or stable expression of the inserted DNA in the host cells.

In contrast, while thermal shock and centrifugation, electroporation and filtration, as well as microinjection and filtration all represent various laboratory techniques,