What is transfection?
Q: What is transfection?
A: Transfection is the process of deliberately introducing DNA or RNA into cells.
Q: How is the term "transfection" formed?
A: The term "transfection" is formed from the words "transformation" and "infection."
Q: What are the different types of transfection?
A: The different types of transfection include: transformation of bacterial cells with viral nucleic acids, transformation of animal cells in tissue culture with purified DNA, transformation of cells or embryos with single or double-stranded RNA, and gene therapy using a modified virus as a vector.
Q: What happens when DNA is added to the cells' genome during transfection?
A: When DNA is added to the cells' genome during transfection, it can cause the building of particular proteins or the silencing of particular genes.
Q: Can changes produced by transfection with RNA molecules be permanently transmitted down a line of cells?
A: No, changes produced by transfection with RNA molecules cannot be permanently transmitted down a line of cells.
Q: What can transfection result in?
A: Transfection can result in unexpected morphologies and abnormalities in target cells.
Q: What is the purpose of gene therapy using a modified virus as a vector?
A: The purpose of gene therapy using a modified virus as a vector is to introduce new, functional genes into the genome of an individual with a genetic disease, in the hopes of correcting or treating the disease.
