In the genetic process of transformation

A. naked DNA is "taken up" by recipient cells

B. cell to cell contact promotes the uptake of naked DNA

C. in order for the newly acquired DNA to be passed on to the next generation by the recipient cell, homologous recombination must occur

D. bacterial cells may acquire new characteristics

E. b, c, and d

F. a, c, and d

The correct answer will be option-F.

Explanation:

The DNA transformation is the horizontal transfer of DNA in which the DNA is taken up by the competent bacterial cells from the surrounding.

The transformation process was studied by the Griffith in 1928 in Streptococcus pneumoniae - R and S - strains in which R-strain bacteria took the DNA from the surrounding environment and became S-strain.

The cells become competent by changing their cell wall composition and take DNA after which the DNA gets integrated with the genome of the bacteria through homologous recombination. The bacteria thus acquires the new feature as a result of this integration with genome which is transferred to the offsprings.

Thus, option-F is the correct answer.