Effects of Temperature-Induced Changes in Membrane Composition on Transformation Efficiency in E. coli DH5α
Vol. 13 (2009), Research Article
Vol. 13 (2009)

Effects of Temperature-Induced Changes in Membrane Composition on Transformation Efficiency in E. coli DH5α

Research Article
https://doi.org/10.14288/ujemi.v13.204067
Published 2009-04-01
Rebecca Brooke
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Jessica Hopkins
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Emily Laflamme
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Paige Wark
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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How to Cite

Brooke, R., Hopkins, J., Laflamme, E., & Wark, P. (2009). Effects of Temperature-Induced Changes in Membrane Composition on Transformation Efficiency in E. coli DH5α. Undergraduate Journal of Experimental Microbiology and Immunology, 13, 71–74. https://doi.org/10.14288/ujemi.v13.204067
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Abstract

One model of transformation proposed that heat shock destabilizes the cell membrane and allows for plasmid uptake. As lipid composition might also affect the stability of the cell membrane, we hypothesized that a lower growth temperature would alter membrane lipid composition so as to increase transformation efficiency after heat shock. Cells were grown at 20°C and 37°C and treated with calcium chloride to induce competency. The transformation efficiencies yielded considerable variation. We were unable to conclude an effect of growth temperature on transformation efficiency. Statistical analysis determined that increased plasmid concentration negatively impacted cell survival.

https://doi.org/10.14288/ujemi.v13.204067
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