A general method for polyethylene-glycol-induced genetic transformation of bacteria and yeast

Gene. 1983 Nov;25(2-3):333-41. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(83)90238-x.

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can induce genetic transformation in both bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) without cell wall removal. PEG-mediated transformation of E. coli is technically simple and yields transformants with an efficiency of 10(6)-10(7) transformants/microgram DNA. Detailed analysis of the parameters involved in PEG-mediated transformation of E. coli reveals basic differences between the PEG and standard CaCl2 methods for transformation of E. coli. PEG-mediated transformation of yeast is far simpler than existing protoplast methods and is comparable in efficiency. The new methods described here for PEG-mediated genetic transformation may prove to be of general utility in performing genetic transformation in a wide variety of organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cations / pharmacology
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Transformation, Genetic / drug effects*

Substances

  • Cations
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • DNA