Competent construction

Transformation of Competent Cells

The natural transfer of DNA into cells occurs only in a few species, such as Bacillus and Streptococcus. The proper method for transferring DNA involves making the cells competent to accept foreign sequences prior to transfer. Various substances are used to make different types of cells competent: calcium chloride and rubidium chloride for bacteria, lithium chloride and lithium acetate for yeast cells, and calcium phosphate for animal cells.

The use of chemical agents to make cells competent is referred to as the chemical transformation method. This approach is typically employed for transferring vectors smaller than ten kilobases, while electroporation is used for larger sequences.

Applications of Making Competent Cells in Research

The application of ligation in research is significant. Making cells competent is a crucial step in cloning and must be performed with precision, as it is essential for introducing foreign sequences into the host cells.