Heat-Shock Transformation - What is it?

[drcrowthorne]

Hey guys, our BIOLOGY UNIT 4 SAC is next week, and we sort of have to know a couple of concepts prior to it, one of which is Heat-Shock Transformation of DNA. I know that it's a method of re-introducing vector DNA (recombinant DNA carrying a particular gene) into specific cells (bacterial cells I think) and it involves electrocuting them, but I don't understand the concept behind it.

How does Heat-Shock Transformation of DNA allow vector DNA to be transported into a cell?

Also, if anyone has any good reliable websites regarding genetic technology in treating insulin-dependent diabetes utilizing yeasts or E. coli bacteria, it'd be very helpful (if you'd post them on this thread).

Cheers guys,

Drcrowthorne

[Russ]

It disrupts the membrane and allows uptake of the plasmids into the cell. Have a little google, there are probably a bunch of genetics websites with explanations of it in more detail.

Your second question is incredibly broad though. There aren't a lot of genetic treatments per se, but I suspect your question wants you to look at the manner in which insulin for diabetics is synthesized in the lab...it's done via recombinant DNA techniques involving E. coli (and can be done with yeast). There is plenty of "cutting edge" diabetes research involving genetic therapy and manipulations to better treat, since it's an extremely common (profitable) disease