transfection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Highly technical/academic
Quick answer
What does “transfection” mean?
The process of introducing foreign nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) into eukaryotic cells, typically for research purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of introducing foreign nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) into eukaryotic cells, typically for research purposes.
A laboratory technique to deliberately introduce genetic material into cultured animal cells to study gene function, produce proteins, or modify cellular characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or conceptual differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'labouratory' vs. 'laboratory' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare outside molecular biology, genetics, and biotech contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “transfection” in a Sentence
transfection of [nucleic acid] into [cells]transfection with [a reagent/vector]to achieve transfectionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transfection” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We will transfect the HEK293 cells tomorrow.
- The plasmid was transfected using a lipid reagent.
American English
- We need to transfect these cells with the reporter gene.
- They successfully transfected the primary neurons.
adverb
British English
- The gene was transiently transfected into the culture.
American English
- The cells were stably transfected for long-term study.
adjective
British English
- The transfection reagent was prepared fresh.
- We observed high transfection efficiency.
American English
- The transfection protocol needs optimization.
- Transfected cells expressed the fluorescent protein.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in biotech/pharma R&D discussions, investor reports, and patent applications related to gene therapy or protein production.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and virology research papers and methodologies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary and precise context for the term; describes a fundamental laboratory technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transfection”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transfection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transfection”
- Using 'transfection' to describe genetic modification of plants (more accurately 'transformation') or whole organisms (transgenesis). Confusing it with 'transduction' (virus-mediated gene transfer).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfection is a specific laboratory technique *for* genetic modification of individual cells in culture, not the broader concept of modifying an organism's genome.
While possible with many cell types, efficiency varies greatly. Some primary cells are notoriously difficult to transfect compared to immortalised cell lines.
In transient transfection, the introduced DNA is not integrated into the genome and expression is lost over days. In stable transfection, the DNA integrates, allowing long-term, heritable expression.
Primarily in research and development (e.g., for producing therapeutic proteins or in gene therapy research). The term itself is more lab-focused than clinical.
The process of introducing foreign nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) into eukaryotic cells, typically for research purposes.
Transfection is usually highly technical/academic in register.
Transfection: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɛkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TRANSfer' + 'inFECTION' – you're transferring genetic material into a cell, almost like infecting it with new DNA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'delivery service' for genes; the cell is a 'factory' that receives new 'instructions' (DNA/RNA).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of transfection?