Transformation

\n\n*Transformation has two meanings in molecular biology: \n**Transformation is the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the introduction, uptake and expression of foreign DNA.\n**Transformation is also the process by which normal cells are converted into cells that will continue to divide without limit. Normal cells can divide only a certain number of times before they will stop dividing. Cells that have been transformed no longer have such a limit (for example, cancer cells) are able to grow and divide potentially forever. \n*In mathematics, a transformation is any of a variety of different operations that can be performed using linear algebra. For example, in 3D computer graphics, the operations of moving, scaling, or rotating a 3D model are commonly called transformations. See linear transformation, transformation geometry, transformation group; also infinitesimal transformation.\n*In music, a transformation is any operation or process that may be applied to a musical variable, usually a set or tone row in twelve tone music, such as transposition, inversion, multiplication, retrograde, or rotation and combinations thereof. See: operation, permutation.\n*Transformation can be a synonym for metamorphosis and shapeshifting\n*In the terms of military operations, transformation is the process of transitioning to a lightweight, fast-moving force that heavily utilizes network-centric warfare.