Bacterial Transformation

Reagents and Materials

• Chemically competent E. coli
• DNA (e.g., ligation reaction)
• SOC medium
• LB agar plates + desired antibiotic

Protocol

1. Thaw 100μL of competent cells (per transformation) on ice just before they are needed
2. Add DNA (max 20μl) thawed cells and mix by flicking the side of the tube. Leave on ice for 30 minutes
3. Heat shock 5 minutes at 37 degrees Celsius
4. Place on ice for 5 minutes
5. Add 250μl SOC medium to each tube
6. Incubate for 30 to 60 minutes with shaking at 37 degrees Celsius (note that for Kanamycin containing plasmids always use one hour)
7. Spin down to remove all supernatant except approximately 100 μL
8. Plate approximately 50 μL on antibiotic plates
9. Grow overnight at 37 degrees Celsius