FAQ: Can I use other competent E. coli strains than NEB 10-beta? Can I use subcloning efficiency cells?

Yes, other cell strains can be used, but large assemblies will require strains known to maintain large plasmid stability, such as NEB 10-beta competent E. coli (High Efficiency, NEB #C3019) or NEB Stable Competent E. coli (High Efficiency, NEB #C3040). NEB Stable Competent E. coli are also recommended for inserts containing repeat/unstable elements. For smaller assemblies other strains such as NEB 5-alpha Competent E. coli (High Efficiency, NEB #C2987), NEB Turbo Competent E. coli (High Efficiency, NEB #C2984) or NEB T7 Express Competent E. coli (High Efficiency, NEB #C2566) can also be used. Subcloning efficiency cells will result in lower transformation levels and should not be used for multi-component assemblies.