competent cells - CaCl2 (May/24/2006 )

hi,

it is said that E.coli cells soaked in cold salt solution of CaCl2 are more effecient at DNA uptakethan unsoaked cells.

CaCl2 has an important role in DNA binding to E.coli cells. anyone know this role?

is this related to osmotic pressure??

what about the cold soln.??

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I am not really sure about it but it could be that the cold solution will help to break the cell wall.. as for osmotic pressure then it would be the concentration of the CaCl2 tht may help the osmostic pressure... let me know when you find out the reason..!!

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thanx MicroKiller for ur reply,
CaCl2 at high concentration will cause cells to shrink, but what about its binding to cell's surface?

i think cold soln. has an effect on the vescosity of cell's membrane

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