Question

Give a reason why :
DNA cannot pass into a host cell through the cell membrane.

Answer 1

We know that the cell membrane is made up of phospholipid bilayers which means it has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. DNA being a hydrophilic molecule will face a problem in passing through the hydrophobic regions of the plasma membrane. It is an extremely energy-consuming process. This is the reason why host cells are made competent to take up the DNA.