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Glite Dictionary
🧬 Ability to take DNA 🔄 Ability to change
transformability

transformability

9.2
A cell's ability to take in outside DNA and change its genes
  • noun
  • /trænsˈfɔrməˌbɪlɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : transformabilidad
  • High transformability allows researchers to introduce new genes into cells more efficiently.

Examples

  • Scientists measured the transformability of different strains to identify the most suitable one for DNA uptake.

  • The transformability of bacteria is crucial for genetic engineering.

  • The transformability of the bacteria was crucial for the success of the genetic experiment.

  • Scientists study the transformability of different strains of yeast.

  • The transformability of the bacteria was crucial for the success of the genetic experiment.

  • Scientists measured the transformability of different strains to identify the most suitable one for DNA uptake.

  • High transformability allows researchers to introduce new genes into cells more efficiently.

Antonyms

inability
177 2.8

Not able to do something you need to do

Surface Forms

transformability singular
transformabilities plural

Morphology

transformability = transformable (semi-transparent) = trans + form + able + ity

The word is formed regularly from 'transformable' plus '-ity', but the specialized biological sense is more technical than the morphology alone would suggest.

Etymology

Transformability comes from trans- 'across' or 'change' and form 'shape', the same parts you see in transform. So for cells, transformability is their ability to change into something new by taking in outside DNA, which is why scientists use this word for genetic change.