How is recombinant DNA introduced into bacterial cells during the heat shock process?

Incubating cells with recombinant DNA on ice

(a) Incubating cells with recombinant DNA on ice

During the heat shock process, recombinant DNA is introduced into bacterial cells by incubating the cells with the recombinant DNA on ice. The cells are then briefly exposed to a temperature of 42°C (heat shock) and quickly placed back on ice. This temperature change creates temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the recombinant DNA to enter the bacterial cells more efficiently. The cells are then allowed to recover and multiply, resulting in the incorporation of the recombinant DNA into the bacterial genome.