Calculate the bacterial transformation efficiency. Enter the # of colonies per plate, and the total ng of DNA plated into the transformation efficiency calculator below.
- All Efficiency Calculators
- Efficiency Calculator
- Enthalpy Calculator
- Dilution Calculator
- Bacterial Concentration Calculator
- QPCR Efficiency Calculator
Transformation Efficiency Formula
The following formula can be used to calculate the bacteria transformation efficiency.
x = y/z*100
- Where x is the transformation efficiency (transformants/ng of DNA)
- y is the # of colonies on the plate
- z is the total ng of DNA plated
Transformation Efficiency Definition
What is a transformation efficiency? Transformation efficiency is defined as the efficiency by which biological cells can take up extracellular DNA and express genes encoded by it.
What does a transformation efficiency tell us? Transformation efficiency can be used to tell us how well the transformants of a cell can absorb DNA from outside the cell and express the genes of the DNA that was absorbed in its own makeup.
What affects transformation efficiency? A transformation efficiency depends on the competence of the cells that are absorbing the extracellular DNA.
Transformation Efficiency Example
How to calculate a transformation efficiency?
- First, determine the total number of colonies on the plate. For this example, we will say there are 500 colonies.
- Next, determine the concentration of DNA used in the transform. In this problem, the concentration is 50ug/ul. These are units of micrograms and microliters.
- Next, determine the volume of the DNA added to the mix. The total volume, in this case, is found to be 30 ul.
- Finally, calculate the transformation efficiency. Using the formula, the transformation efficiency is found to be: # of colonies/(concentration of DNA*(volume of DNA*1000)) = 500 / (50*(30*1000)) = 0.00033333333 transformants/ng.
