Gene delivery method check: In cell and molecular biology, what is “electroporation” used for when introducing DNA into cells?

Introduction / Context:
Electroporation is a widely used physical transfection method for bacteria, yeast, plant, and mammalian cells. By delivering brief, high-voltage electrical pulses, it induces transient pores in the plasma membrane, allowing nucleic acids, proteins, or other molecules to enter the cytoplasm before the membrane reseals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cells are in a conductive buffer with DNA present.
• Electrical pulses are carefully controlled for field strength, duration, and number.
• Membrane integrity is restored after the pulse, permitting recovery and expression.

Concept / Approach:
The process relies on electric-field–induced membrane destabilization. The correct description must emphasize transient permeabilization rather than electrophoretic separation or chemical conjugation. Optimizing voltage and capacitance balances high uptake with cell viability.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Transformation efficiency increases dramatically compared to no-pulse controls. Colonies carrying the plasmid on selective plates confirm successful DNA entry via electroporation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Gel separation describes electrophoresis, not electroporation.
• Electrostatic “combining” is not how vector–insert ligation occurs.
• Cell multiplication is a downstream effect of successful selection, not the mechanism.
• Electrical fixation is not a standard microscopy method.

Common Pitfalls:
Using high salt buffers causes arcing and cell death; ensure proper cuvette gap and ice-cold handling to improve survival and uptake.

Final Answer:
Applying short high-voltage pulses to transiently permeabilize cell membranes