Transformation and Gene Transfer in Bacteria

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the processes of transformation, gene transfer, and genetic engineering in bacteria.

Transformation

The uptake of a plasmid/vector by bacteria.

Natural Competence

The genetic ability of certain bacteria to take up DNA from their environment.

Conjugation

A natural process by which plasmids are transferred between bacteria using a structure known as pilus.

Selectable Marker

A gene that allows for the identification of transformed cells by enabling growth in selective media.

Heat Shock Method

A technique to make bacterial cells competent by rapidly transferring them between cold and hot temperatures.

Competency

The ability of bacterial cells to take up DNA.

Electroporation

A method that uses a high voltage pulse to disrupt the cell membrane temporarily, allowing DNA to enter.

Arabinose Operon

A cluster of functionally-related genes under the control of a single promoter that regulates the metabolism of arabinose.

Ampicillin Resistance Gene (Ampr)

A gene that provides resistance to ampicillin, allowing transformed E. coli to grow in an antibiotic-containing environment.

Microinjection

A method that uses a thin glass needle to directly inject nucleic acid material into cells.