What is the primary purpose of bacterial transformation?

The primary purpose of bacterial transformation is to introduce genes into bacteria for product production. This process involves the uptake of foreign DNA by bacteria, which can then express the genes encoded in that DNA. This technique is widely utilized in biotechnology and molecular biology to produce proteins, enzymes, and other products of interest—such as insulin, growth hormones, or enzymes used in various industries.

By allowing bacteria to take up plasmids (circular DNA molecules containing desired genes), scientists can harness the natural machinery of bacterial cells to replicate and express these genes, leading to the production of novel substances. This capability is fundamental to genetic engineering and the development of recombinant DNA technology, where specific traits or functions can be conferred to bacteria, including antibiotic resistance or the ability to produce a particular metabolite.

The other options focus on aspects that are either less central to the process of bacterial transformation or do not capture its primary intent. While creating mutations, eliminating harmful bacteria, and isolating DNA sequences can be related to genetic manipulations, they do not define the fundamental goal of transformation itself. The essence of the process lies in its application for gene introduction, which serves as the backbone for various advancements in biotechnology.