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What did these things mean again?
Transfection/transformation is a laboratory technique used to introduce foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into cells. This allows for the manipulation of gene expression and the study of gene function.
Transfection and transformation are often used interchangeably, but they have slight differences. Transfection is the process of introducing genetic material into eukaryotic cells, while transformation is the process of introducing genetic material into prokaryotic cells.
There are various methods of transfection/transformation, including chemical, physical, and biological methods. Chemical methods involve the use of reagents to facilitate the uptake of genetic material into cells. Physical methods involve the use of physical forces, such as electroporation, to create temporary pores in the cell membrane for genetic material to enter. Biological methods involve the use of viral vectors to deliver genetic material into cells.
Transfection/transformation is used in various research areas, such as gene expression analysis, protein production, and gene therapy. It is also used in the development of genetically modified organisms and the study of disease mechanisms.
Some potential limitations of transfection/transformation include low efficiency, cellular toxicity, and potential disruption of normal cellular processes. Additionally, the choice of transfection/transformation method may have different effects on different cell types, so optimization may be necessary for each experiment.