Definition of Electroporation



Electroporation is a process through which temporary pores are created in the cell membrane by the use of electric pulses. In this way, the entry of substances such as DNA is aided. It is a physical transfection technique which is extremely efficient in introducing foreign DNA into the bacterial as well as mammalian cells.

 


Electroporation is done by suspending the host cells and the foreign molecules in a solution that has an ability to conduct the electric currents. The electric current is allowed to pass through the cell suspension for a few milliseconds. This results in producing holes in the cell membrane and hence the DNA is allowed to cross the membrane. A large number of cells can be transfected by this method in a relatively short time period.

 

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