What is Transfection?
'''Transfection''' is the process of deliberately introducing [[DNA]] or [[RNA]] into [[cells]]. The word is formed from [[transformation (genetics)|transformation]] and [[infection]]. The term is used for:<ref name=King>King R.C; Stansfield W.D. & Mulligan P.K. 2006. ''A dictionary of genetics''. 7th ed, Oxford University Press. {{ISBN|0-19-530761-5}}</ref> #[[transformation (genetics)|Transformation]] of [[bacterial]] cells with [[viral]] [[nucleic acids]] #Transformation of animals cells in [[tissue culture]] with purified DNA. The DNA is added to the cells' [[genome]]. #Transformation of cells or [[embryo]]s with single or double-stranded RNA. This causes the building of particular [[proteins]], or the silencing of particular [[genes]]. #[[Gene therapy]] using a modified [[virus]] as a [[Vector (biology)|vector]]. Transfection can result in unexpected morphologies and abnormalities in target cells. Transfection with RNA molecules produces changes which cannot be permanently transmitted down a line of cells.<ref name=King/> == DNA constructs == A [[DNA construct]] is an artificially constructed bit of nucleic acid which is going to be 'transplanted' into a target tissue or cell. It may include a '''DNA insert''', which contains the gene sequence coding for a protein of interest. The DNA insert is the heart of the [[molecular biology vector]]. This is a general term for a vehicle used to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell. Transfection of animal cells usually involves opening temporary pores (holes) in the [[plasma membrane|cell membrane]], to allow the cells to take up the vector. == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Cell biology]] [[Category:DNA]]