CloneCampaign_App_Hero

Transformation

Transformation is the process by which an organism acquires exogenous DNA. Transformation can occur in two ways: natural transformation and artificial transformation. Natural transformation describes the uptake and incorporation of naked DNA from the cell’s natural environment. Artificial transformation encompasses a wide array of methods for inducing uptake of exogenous DNA. In cloning protocols, artificial transformation is used to introduce recombinant DNA into host bacteria (E. coli). The most common method of artificial transformation of bacteria involves use of divalent cations (e.g., calcium chloride) to increase the permeability of the bacterium’s membrane, making them chemically competent, thereby increasing the likelihood of DNA acquisition. Another artificial method of transformation is electroporation, in which cells are shocked with an electric current, to create holes in the bacterial membrane. With a newly-compromised cell membrane, the transforming DNA is free to pass into the cytosol of the bacterium. Regardless of which method of transformation is used, outgrowth of bacteria following transformation allows repair of the bacterial surface and selection of recombinant cells if the newly acquired DNA conveys antibiotic resistance to the transformed cells.

Choose Type:

FAQs for Transformation
Protocols for Transformation
Legal Information

Products and content are covered by one or more patents, trademarks and/or copyrights owned or controlled by New England Biolabs, Inc (NEB). The use of trademark symbols does not necessarily indicate that the name is trademarked in the country where it is being read; it indicates where the content was originally developed. The use of this product may require the buyer to obtain additional third-party intellectual property rights for certain applications. For more information, please email busdev@neb.com.

This product is intended for research purposes only. This product is not intended to be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in humans or animals.


Videos