Answer:
The significance of the origin of replication (ori) in a plasmid in bacterial transformation is:
**a. Enabling plasmid replication**
The origin of replication is a specific DNA sequence where the process of DNA replication begins. In the context of a plasmid, it allows the plasmid to replicate independently within the bacterial cell. This is crucial for the maintenance and propagation of the plasmid during bacterial cell division. Replication from the ori ensures that each daughter cell receives a copy of the plasmid, allowing for the continued presence of the desired genetic material, such as a gene of interest or a marker for selection.
