What is the difference between transfection and transformation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the definitions and distinctions between transfection and transformation in the context of molecular biology and microbiology. Participants explore the processes involved in each term, their applications, and the methods used for introducing DNA into cells.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes transfection as the uptake of DNA by cells, specifically mentioning a laboratory experience with E. coli and the use of calcium chloride and heat shock.
  • Another participant provides definitions from a biotech glossary, indicating that transfection involves the uptake of foreign DNA by recipient cells, often using methods like calcium phosphate treatment or electroporation.
  • A participant contrasts transfection with transformation, defining transformation as a mode of gene transfer in bacteria where free DNA is integrated into the recipient genome.
  • Further clarification is provided that transfection can involve the use of viruses to transfer DNA, while transformation encompasses various methods for DNA transfer, including chemical methods and natural processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present overlapping definitions and methods for both transfection and transformation, but there is no consensus on a singular definition or the nuances between the two terms. Multiple interpretations and methods are discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Definitions and processes discussed may depend on specific contexts, such as the type of cells involved (eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic) and the methods used for DNA introduction. Some assumptions about the terminology and processes may not be explicitly stated.

Monique
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What did these things mean again?
 
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In a Molecular Biology lab i did several weeks ago we did a Transfection in which we CaCl treated and heat shocked E. coli to take up naked DNA plasmids. So basically, Transfection means to take up DNA.

A more accurate definition from my trust old One Look dictionary search thingy gives me: The uptake, incorporation, and expression of recombinant DNA by eukaryotic cells
and
The introduction of DNA into a cell or organism using recombinant DNA technology.
and
The process by which exogenous DNA in solution is introduced into cells. The introduction of foreign DNA into eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.

As for transformation, from Microbiology by Prescott et al:

Transformation: A mode of gene transfer in bacteria in which a piece of free DNA is taken up by a bacterial cell and integrated into the recipient genome.
 
From biotech glossary
http://www.geneed.com/glossary/t/index.html

Transfection
The uptake in culture by recipient cells of foreign DNA. The cells are either treated with calcium phosphate or subjected to an electric field (electroporation) to make their membranes more permeable. A standard procedure for introducing foreign DNA into mammalian cells.

Transformation
A genetic alteration to a cell as a result of the incorporation of DNA from a genetically diferent cell or virus; can also refer to the introduction of DNA into bacterial cells for genetic manipulation.

From my molecular bio notes:

Transfection is the use of viruses to transfert foreign DNA into a cell whereas transformation is the various methods of transfert of foreign DNA into cell (Chemical/heat-shock, electroporation, natural)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=transfection
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?transformation,+bacterial
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=transformation
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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