LAB 6Intro to Genetic Engineering: Bacterial Transformation

Vocabulary flashcards from the 'Intro to Genetic Engineering: Bacterial Transformation' lecture covering key terms and concepts.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's DNA to change its traits.

Bacterial Transformation

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a bacterial cell.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can carry genes.

Competency

The ability of a bacterial cell to take up and use plasmid DNA.

pGLO

A specific plasmid used in experiments that allows bacteria to express green fluorescent protein.

Transformation

The uptake and expression of foreign DNA by a bacterial cell.

Aseptic Techniques

Lab procedures that minimize contamination by pathogens.

Negative Control

An experimental treatment where no change is expected, used to ensure no effect.

Positive Control

An experimental treatment where a change is expected, used to ensure an effect can be observed.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive the effects of an antibiotic.

GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)

A protein that glows green under UV light, used as a marker in genetic engineering.

Arabinose

A sugar that activates the expression of the gfp gene in pGLO.

LB Agar

A nutrient-rich medium used to culture bacteria in the lab.

Microcentrifuge Tube

A small tube used for holding samples in molecular biology experiments.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.