English: Transformation occurs when bacteria have specific genes encoded in their DNA (not plasmids) that would benefit other bacteria to have as well. This specific portion of the bacterial DNA is replicated--along with some other genes--and is released into the environment. A second bacteria cell comes along and if it is able to pick it up, it will do so through receptors and integrate it into its own DNA. Certain conditions need to be met, however, before a bacteria cell is able to pick up DNA from its environment. This could occur during starvation or certain cell densities. The process of transformation can be repeated many times and with many genes.