The study by Neumann et al. (1982) reports a novel method for gene transfer into mouse L cells using electroporation in high electric fields. Electric impulses (8 kV/cm, 5 μs) significantly enhance the uptake of DNA, particularly linear or circular plasmid DNA containing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase (TK) gene. When these plasmids are added to LTK- cells, which lack the TK gene, and exposed to electric fields, stable transformants are formed that survive in HAT selection medium. The optimal conditions for this method include an initial field strength of 8 kV/cm, a pulse decay time of 5 μs, and a 10-minute incubation period after pulsing. The presence of divalent ions like Mg2+ can reduce gene transfer efficiency, while increasing concentrations of MgCl2 decrease colony formation. The authors propose an "electroporation model" to explain the enhanced DNA penetration, suggesting that the electric field induces and stabilizes permeation sites in the cell membrane, leading to increased cross-membrane transport. This method is simple, easily applicable, and highly efficient, making it a valuable alternative to biochemical techniques for gene transfer.The study by Neumann et al. (1982) reports a novel method for gene transfer into mouse L cells using electroporation in high electric fields. Electric impulses (8 kV/cm, 5 μs) significantly enhance the uptake of DNA, particularly linear or circular plasmid DNA containing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase (TK) gene. When these plasmids are added to LTK- cells, which lack the TK gene, and exposed to electric fields, stable transformants are formed that survive in HAT selection medium. The optimal conditions for this method include an initial field strength of 8 kV/cm, a pulse decay time of 5 μs, and a 10-minute incubation period after pulsing. The presence of divalent ions like Mg2+ can reduce gene transfer efficiency, while increasing concentrations of MgCl2 decrease colony formation. The authors propose an "electroporation model" to explain the enhanced DNA penetration, suggesting that the electric field induces and stabilizes permeation sites in the cell membrane, leading to increased cross-membrane transport. This method is simple, easily applicable, and highly efficient, making it a valuable alternative to biochemical techniques for gene transfer.