Team:Cambridge/Protocols/Making Competent Cells

Making Competent Cells

Competent cells are those which will take up extra-cellular DNA and express it. This technique is central to synthetic biology.

Theory

While none of the mechanisms by which cells take up new DNA have been well characterised, the conditions required in order for the mechanism to take place are well documented. This generally requires placing the cells under a specific type of stress which causes this to take place. Once prepared, competent cells can be stored indefinitely at -80 degrees celsius.

Practice

In E.Coli

TODO: talk to PJ about this.

In other bacteria

The conditions required for other bacteria to be competent vary, indeed, some bacteria are naturally competent.

Safety

The safety implication of the procedure.