How does a recombinant plasmid get into a bacterium?

Answer 1

Viruses

Answer 2

There are two main methods: using chemicals and using electricity.

A combination of certain solutions, such as calcium chloride, and exposure to particular temperatures, makes bacteria more competent (i.e. "receptive", if you like).

Another way to allow plasmids to enter bacteria is to apply a pulse of electricity; this method is known as electroporation. It is more efficient and consistent, but more expensive.

These methods are the result of trial-and-error (officially called empiricism), and just why they work nobody knows.

Answer 3

Researchers employ electricity to weaken the cell wall and membrane

or simply use heat-shock to stimulate the competent cell to absorb foreign DNA

since some bacteria naturally do so.

Answer 4

The recombinant DNA can be inserted into a bacterial cell by a method called transformation/calcium chloride treatment. It is the free uptake of DNA by the competent cell. In this method the recombinant DNA is added to the broth culture containing bateria, to this CaCl2 is added and incubated for 12 hrs. The recombinant DNA gets precipitated on the host cell due to CaCl2. This is subjected to heat shock treatment ( 42 degree celsius ) for 2 minutes during which the pores are created on the host cell wall and the recombinant DNA gets integrated with the host cell DNA.

Answer 5

The most common way of introducing recombinant DNA into bacterial cells are is transformation. It is the only option that involves DNA entering a bacteria cell.

Answer 6

Restriction enzymes are used to cut the plasmid open. The gene attaches via "sticky ends" and the enzyme ligase is used to seal the gene and the plasmid DNA together.

Answer 7

The bacteria will gain access to the gene that was inserted into the plasmid, which could be anything from ampicillin resistance to spore formation.

Answer 8

transformation