Chemically competent vs. Electrocompetent - (Aug/29/2006 )

I am trying to transform plasmid DNA into BL-21 plysS cells, but haven't had much luck. I think it may be my cells, so I'd like to try to transform into a colleague's cells, but they only have CaCl2 chemically competent cells, and I'd like to use electroporation.

Has anyone ever tried using chemically competent cells for electroporation (or visa versa)?

Thanks!

Do not attempt.

Why do you need electroporation for this instance?

-Matt

No reason in particular, except that I haven't had luck with standard heatshock transformation, and don't trust my electrocompetent cells.

if ur colleague has chemically competent cells, heat shock it. Dont try to electroporate chemically competent cells as the salt conc. in the cells will spark and most cells will die.

That makes sense. I'll give heat shock another try, and make some more chemically competent cells in the meantime in case it doesn't work.

Thanks!


Amanda