What does transformation efficiency measure?

Transformation efficiency measures the number of transformants that result from a given amount of DNA added to a bacterial culture. Specifically, it is expressed as the number of colonies that arise from a specific quantity of DNA (often per microgram), indicating how effectively the procedure allowed bacteria to take up the DNA and express the introduced genes. This measurement is crucial in genetic engineering and molecular biology because it helps researchers evaluate the effectiveness of various protocols for transforming bacteria.

The other options do not accurately describe transformation efficiency. The rate of bacterial reproduction pertains to growth dynamics within a culture, while overall protein yield refers to the quantity of protein produced after transformation, which depends on various factors beyond just the transformation efficiency. The success of antibiotic resistance is not measured by transformation efficiency, although transformation can be a mechanism by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the specific metric of how effectively transformation occurs in terms of DNA uptake and resultant viable cells.