Transfected

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of deliberately introducing nucleic acids into cells to enable genetic material transfer ; an experimental technique in molecular biology used to study gene function or produce proteins ; a method of cellular manipulation whereby foreign DNA or RNA is delivered into a cell to alter its genetic composition
2. A laboratory procedure that involves inserting genetic material into living cells to produce changes in gene expression ; a controlled delivery of DNA or RNA molecules into a cell to investigate cellular processes or develop treatments ; a scientific technique where genetic substances are transported into cells to enable study or manipulation of the genome
3. Introducing foreign nucleic acids into a cell to modify its genetics ; a biotechnological method to express new genes or silence existing ones within cells ; a cell biology technique that transfers exogenous DNA or RNA into cells for research or therapeutic purposes

Etymology: Scientists needed a name for getting foreign DNA into cells, and the term they built borrowed from two older words. "Transfect" is generally understood as a blend of "transformation," the name for bacteria taking up free DNA, and "infection," since the foreign genetic material enters the cell somewhat as a virus would. The "trans-" prefix supplies the sense of carrying something across the cell membrane. "Transfected" is simply the past form of this laboratory verb, describing cells that have already received the introduced material. The coinage belongs to modern molecular biology, so it reflects the working vocabulary of researchers rather than any older tradition.

Synonyms: transformed, modified, genetically altered, introduced, inserted

Antonyms: unmodified, native, original, untreated