Transformation
Specifications
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Focus: Genetics, DNA recombination, microbiology
- Time: 45 – 60 minutes
- Restrictions: None
Key Words
bacteria, transformation, GFP, genetic engineering, e. coli, pGLO, plasmid, heat shock
Summary
Genetic transformation literally means change caused by genes and involves the insertion of one or more gene(s) into an organism in order to change the organism's traits. Genetic transformation occurs when a cell takes up and expresses a new piece of genetic material. This new genetic information often provides the organism with a new trait, which is identifiable after transformation. Genetic transformation is used in many areas of technology including agriculture and medicine.
Objectives
Upon completion of Transformation students will be able to:
Pre-Laboratory
- define wild-type vs. mutant phenotypes
- locate the different genes on a pGlo plasmid
Laboratory
- culture bacteria that express the green fluorescent protein
- select for transformed bacteria
- describe a genetic regulation system
Post-Laboratory
- analyze the growth on all four plates
- calculate the transformation efficiency
Additional Resources
Quickgrabs
