Pronunciation: [tɹansfˈɛkt] (IPA) 
The word "transfect" is spelled with the prefix "trans-" meaning "across" or "beyond," and the verb "fect" meaning "to make," resulting in the meaning "to make something go across or beyond." It is commonly used in biotechnology to describe the process of introducing foreign genetic material into a cell. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word would be /trænsfɛkt/, with the stress on the first syllable "trans."
Transfect is a term used in molecular biology to describe the process of introducing foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into a eukaryotic cell. It involves the deliberate transfer of genetic material into a recipient cell, resulting in the expression of the transferred genetic information. Transfection can be achieved through various methods, such as electroporation, chemical transfection, or viral transduction.
During transfection, the foreign genetic material, often in the form of a plasmid, is introduced into the host cell, where it integrates into the cell's genome or exists as an independent extra-chromosomal entity. This transferred genetic material generally contains a gene of interest that researchers aim to study or manipulate. The ultimate goal of transfection is to induce the expression of the transferred genetic information, leading to the production of desired proteins or changes in the cell's behavior.
Transfection is a powerful tool in genetic research and molecular biology as it enables the study of gene function, protein expression, and cellular processes. It allows researchers to manipulate and understand cellular mechanisms and can be used for a variety of applications, including the production of recombinant proteins, gene therapy, and the study of disease mechanisms.
Overall, transfection is a method that facilitates the introduction of exogenous genetic material into recipient cells to investigate gene function, protein expression, and cellular processes, thereby advancing our understanding of molecular biology and providing avenues for various applications.
The word "transfect" is a combination of two words: "trans" and "infect".
- "Trans" comes from the Latin root "trans", meaning "across" or "beyond". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate movement or transmission from one place to another.
- "Infect" comes from the Latin word "inficere", meaning "to put in" or "to stain". It refers to the process of spreading disease or causing contamination.
When these two words are combined, "transfect" is formed, describing the process of introducing foreign genetic material or molecules into cells. It is commonly used in molecular biology and genetic engineering to describe the technique of introducing specific genes or molecules into cells for research or therapeutic purposes.
