Transformation

Transformation is an activity created by Learning Undefeated to help students explore the process of moving genes from one organism to another using genetic transformation. This lab also explores the use of the scientific method.

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.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Transformation Lab, students will be able to:

Define wild-type vs. mutant phenotypes
Locate the different genes on a pGlo plasmid
Culture bacteria that express the green fluorescent protein
Select for transformed bacteria
Describe a genetic regulation system
Analyze the growth on all four plates
Calculate the transformation efficiency

Background Information

For useful information regarding this lab, follow these links:

Genetic Transformation: http://study.com/academy/lesson/bacterial-transformation-definition-process-and-genetic-engineering-of-e-coli.html
Plasmids: http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-dna-plasmid-importance-to-genetic-engineering.html
Scientific Method: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml#keyinfo

Pre-Laboratory Engagement

Prepare Students for the use of the scientific method and various lab equipment (i.e., micropipets, microcentrifuge tubes)

Pre-Lab Questions

What is genetic transformation?
What are plasmids?
What plasmid will we use in this lab & what significance does it have?

Laboratory Activity

In this specific procedure, we will perform genetic transformation by inserting a plasmid into the bacteria, E. Coli. In addition to having one large chromosome, most bacteria contain small, self-replicating, circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. Plasmids have their own origin of replication (ori), which allows them to replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA, as well as genes for one or more traits that may be beneficial to bacterial survival. In nature, bacteria can transfer plasmids back and forth, allowing them to share beneficial genes and rapidly adapt to new environments. The recent occurrence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, for instance, is due to the transmission of plasmids.

The plasmid we are inserting into E.Coli contains a gene that codes for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Green fluorescent protein is found naturally in jellyfish and allows them to fluoresce. Following the transformation procedure, the bacteria can express their newly acquired jellyfish gene and, in the presence of sugar, will produce the fluorescent protein. This causes the bacteria to glow a brilliant green color under ultraviolet light.

Post-Laboratory Extension

Follow this link to an article from the National Institute of Health about natural genetic transformation in the environment: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC372978/

Specifications

Skill Level: Advanced
Focus: Genetics, recombinant DNA technology, microbiology
Time: 40 – 60 minutes(plus overnight incubation)

TEKS Alignment

BIOL.1A

BIOL.1B

BIOL.2E

BIOL.2F

BIOL.2G

BIOL.6A

BIOL.6B

BIOL.6D

BIOL.6E

BIOL.6H

BIOSCI130.403.C.8.A

BIOSCI130.403.C.8.B

BIOTECH_1:130.415.C.8.A

BIOTECH_130.415.C.8.B

BIOTECH130.403.C.8.C

BIOTECH130.403.C.10.A

BIOTECH130.403.C.10.D

BIOTECH130.403.C.10.F

BIOTECH130.403.C.10.H

Key Words

Bacteria, transformation, GFP, genetic engineering, e. coli, pGLO, plasmid, heat shock

Additional Resources

Tools of the Trade
Selecting a vector for DNA transport
What makes a firefly glow?

Protein Data Bank
The Green Flourescent Protein

AraC Gene Regulation
The AraC Protein: A Love Hate Relationship (PDF)

Wild Type v. Mutant Traits
Brief description of polymorphic traits

Quickgrabs

Protein Synthesis
A compilation of short tutorials and interactive animations about proteins and protein synthesis

Advanced Protein Synthesis
An advanced, animated tutorial about protein synthesis including animations detailing structure and function of tRNA and ribosomes

Green Fluorescent Protein
Interactive 3-D model of the green fluorescent protein