What is the process of deliberately introducing nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells called?

The process of deliberately introducing nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells is referred to as transfection. This technique is vital in biotechnology as it enables researchers to study gene function, protein expression, and genetic manipulation in a controlled environment. Transfection can involve various methods, including chemical, physical, or biological techniques to facilitate the uptake of DNA or RNA molecules by the target cells.

In contrast, transduction typically refers to the transfer of genetic material into a cell via a viral vector, primarily used in prokaryotic systems and some eukaryotic applications. Transformation usually describes the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material through the cell membrane, which is more common in bacteria. Replication specifically refers to the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division, and it does not involve introducing external nucleic acids. Therefore, the correct term for introducing nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells is transfection.