Transfection by electroporation

Electroporation yields a high frequency of permanent transfectants, has a high efficiency of transient gene expression, and can be easier to carry out than alternative techniques. Electroporation makes use of the fact that the cell membrane acts as an electrical capacitor which is unable (except through ion channels) to pass current. Subjecting membranes to a high-voltage electric field results in their temporary breakdown and the formation of pores that are large enough to allow macromolecules (as well as smaller molecules such as ATP) to enter or leave the cell. The reclosing of the membrane pores is a natural decay process which is delayed at decreased temperatures. This unit presents the procedures which can be used for both transient and stable transfections.