# transduction

/tɹænsdˈʌkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/transduction
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

the process of changing one type of energy or signal into another. In biology, it also describes how a virus can move a piece of DNA from one cell to another.

For teachers: the conversion of one form of energy or signal into another; in molecular biology, the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage. Often involves the transformation of physical stimuli into electrical signals in sensory systems.

## Examples

- The microphone uses transduction to turn sound into electricity.
- In sensory transduction, specialized cells in the retina convert light energy into electrical impulses that the brain can interpret.
- The process of genetic transduction allows for the horizontal transfer of DNA between bacterial species, potentially leading to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance across a population.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.