What is the difference between transfection and transformation?

In summary, transfection is the process of introducing foreign DNA into a cell, typically using viruses or other methods such as chemical treatment or electroporation. Transformation refers to the incorporation of foreign DNA into a cell, either naturally or through genetic manipulation.
  • #1
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.
 
  • #3
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)
 
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  • #4
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=transfection [Broken]
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?transformation,+bacterial [Broken]
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=transformation [Broken]
 
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What is transfection/transformation?

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.

What is the difference between transfection and transformation?

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.

What are the different methods of transfection/transformation?

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.

What are the applications of transfection/transformation?

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.

What are the potential limitations of transfection/transformation?

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.

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