SOC Broth, Granulated

Principle And Interpretation

SOC Broth Base is a medium which is prepared by adding 20% glucose solution to SOB Medium (Hanahans Broth) (GM1252/M1252). This medium is a nutritionally rich growth medium used for growing bacterial cells, for preparing chemically competent cells and in the recovery step of competent cell transformations. E. coli is first grown in SOB Medium (Hanahans Broth) (GM1252/ M1252) to get the desired cell density. The cells are then harvested and subjected to chemical treatment or electoporation to develop competent cells. These competent cells are then transformed using suitable method. The transformants are then grown in SOC Medium. The use of SOC Broth maximizes the transformation efficiency of competent cells (1).

Casein enzymic hydrolysate and yeast extract serve as rich sources of nitrogen and growth factors which are readily available to the bacteria that are under stress due to transformation procedures. These sources of nutrients allow them to recover from stress and grow well. Potassium and sodium chloride maintain isotonic conditions. Magnesium sulphate is a source of magnesium ions required in a variety of enzymatic reactions including DNA replication.