Electroporation

A method for transforrning DNA, especially useful for plant cells, in which high voltage pulses of electricity are used to open pores in cell membranes, through which foreign DNA can pass.

The induction of transient pores in bacterial cells or protoplasts by the application of a pulse of electricity. These pores allow the entry of exogenous DNA into the cell. Widely used for the transformation of bacteria.

A process using high-voltage current to make cell membranes permeable to allow the introduction of new DNA; commonly used in recombinant DNA technology. See also: transfection