Transfection, as you will recall, is taking a particular gene that has a useful property and inserting that gene into the cell of another organism. Transfection is important in many research projects and allows for the production of proteins that we need.

You have already transfected a bacteria cell. Remember making your bacteria glow in your 1000 class? This is the same type of idea. However, the technique is different because you are working with animal cells instead of with bacteria.

While transfecting in bacteria is useful, it is also important to use eukaryotic cells for transfection. Eukaryotic cells have different properties than prokaryotic cells; it’s sometimes not possible to splice a eukaryotic gene into a prokaryotic organism and get the hoped-for product. In this case, you will need to conduct a transfection on a eukaryotic cell.

Remember: The next step is to come into the lab to practice with the materials, view a demonstration, or to even just ask questions. Also, if you are ready to take the lab final, please inform your instructor. The lab final will be performed by yourself and will be graded with a rubric.

### Learning Objectives:

- 1.6 - Transfect cells for fluorescence.