Genetic Transformation of Escherichia coli

Vocabulary flashcards related to the Genetic Transformation of E. coli lab exercise.

Genetic Transformation

The process by which an organism's genetic material is altered by introducing foreign DNA.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

Protein

A biomolecule composed of amino acids that performs various functions in the cell.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by descent from parent to offspring.

Biotechnology

The use of biological systems or organisms to develop useful products and applications.

Antibiotic

A compound that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria by targeting essential cellular processes.

Ampicillin

A type of antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of an antibiotic.

Beta-Lactamase (bla) Gene

A gene that provides resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as ampicillin.

Selectable Marker

A gene introduced into an organism to help identify cells that have been successfully transformed.

Transcription Factor

A protein that controls gene expression by binding to DNA and regulating RNA polymerase activity, turning genes on or off as needed.

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

A protein that fluoresces green under UV light, used as a reporter in molecular biology.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that controls the transcription of a gene.

PBAD Promoter

A promoter sequence that regulates the expression of the GFP gene in response to arabinose.

Arabinose

A sugar molecule that acts as an inducer for GFP expression in transformed bacteria.

AraC Protein

A transcription factor that regulates GFP expression by binding to the PBAD promoter in the presence of arabinose.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Heat-Shock Transformation

A laboratory technique used to introduce plasmid DNA into bacteria by exposing them to a sudden increase in temperature.

Agar Medium

A nutrient-rich gel used to culture bacteria in petri dishes.

Fluorescence

The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.