Question

Explain the method to increase the competency of the bacterial cell membrane to take up recombinant DNA.

Answer 1

1. The calcium chloride technique is frequently used to boost the ability of bacterial cells (like E. coli) to absorb recombinant DNA.
2. This technique increases the permeability of the cell membrane by treating bacterial cells with a cold calcium chloride solution.
3. This treatment facilitates the transformation process by making it easier for the cells to absorb foreign DNA during a heat shock.
4. Another technique is electroporation, in which DNA is allowed to enter cells by temporarily opening pores in the membrane using an electric field.