Bacterial Transformation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to bacterial transformation and the processes involved in genetic engineering using plasmids.

Bacterial Transformation

The process of inserting foreign DNA (plasmid) into bacteria, allowing them to express new traits.

Plasmid

A circular loop of DNA that can replicate independently and often carries genes for antibiotic resistance or other traits.

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

A protein from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria that fluoresces green under UV light.

Transformation Solution (CaCl2)

A solution used to shield the negative charge on DNA, facilitating the uptake of plasmids by bacteria.

Heat Shock

A method used in transformation to increase cell membrane permeability by rapidly changing temperatures

Expresses the plasmid genes

Antibiotic Resistance

A trait that allows transformed bacteria to survive in the presence of antibiotics, enabling specific selection of transformed colonies.

LB Broth

A nutrient-rich medium that supports bacterial growth, containing carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, salts, and vitamins.

araC

A regulatory protein that controls the expression of the GFP gene, acting as a switch dependent on the presence of arabinose.

Beta-lactamase

An enzyme produced by transformed bacteria that breaks down ampicillin, allowing growth in its presence.

Selective Media

Media that favor the growth of specific bacteria while inhibiting others, such as plates containing ampicillin.