Determining the effectiveness of gene transfer into bacteria involves quantifying the number of transformed cells per microgram of DNA. This process typically involves spreading a known volume of transformed bacterial culture onto selective agar plates and counting the resulting colonies. For example, if 100 ng of plasmid DNA yields 1000 colonies, the efficiency is calculated as 104 transformants per microgram of DNA.
This metric is essential for optimizing genetic engineering protocols. A higher value indicates a more successful DNA uptake, enabling researchers to achieve desired genetic modifications more reliably. Historically, improvements in techniques and reagents have led to significant increases in achievable values, facilitating advances in molecular biology and biotechnology. Understanding and maximizing this metric directly impacts experimental success and resource efficiency.