Intact Genomics 5-alpha electrocompetent E. coli cells are suitable for high efficiency transformation in a wide variety of routine applications such as plasmid isolation, cloning, and subcloning. Mutations in endA1 and recA1 ensure increased plasmid yield and improved plasmid quality.

Transformation efficiency is tested by using the pUC19 control DNA supplied with the kit and using the protocol given below. Transformation efficiency should be ?2 x 1010 CFU/µg pUC19 DNA. Untransformed cells are tested for appropriate antibiotic sensitivity.