In the first lab of our second semester we will be performing genetic transformation, which is the process of inserting a gene into an organism to change the organism's trait. Genetic transformation is used in many aspects of daily life, for example in food. Many crops are increasingly being genetically modified to increase their ability to withstand viruses and to be produced as larger, healthier species. Transformation is also used to transform bacteria into helping the environment and to expand the process of gene therapy in humans. This new industry of genetic modification is growing faster and becoming a vital new part of life. It gives us the chance to further our understanding of life and help improve the quality of our own.
In our lab we will be transforming bacteria using a gene that codes for Green Fluorescent Protein. This gene is what causes a jellyfish to "glow in the dark". We will be learning to move genes from one organism to another using plasmid. Plasmid DNA contains genes for one or more traits that may be beneficial to bacterial survival. By using the process called "genetic engineering" we can insert genes coding for new traits into a plasmid.
In order to move the pGLO plasmid DNA through cell membrane we will, 1. use a transformation solution of CaCl2, 2. Use heat shock, and 3. provide nutrients and an incubation period so we can observe the newly acquired genes and assess our success at genetically modifying an organism.
