The differences between transfection and transformation are outlined in Table 2.
Table 2.The differences between transfection and transformation.
| Features | Transfection | Transformation |
| Definition | Method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is deliberately introduced | Method of gene transfer in which the genetic material is directly uptaken and incorporated through the cell membrane(s) |
| Target cells | Mammalian cells | Plant, yeast and bacterial cells |
| Acheived by | Chemical, physical and viral methods | Chemical transformation, electroporation and particle bombardment |