DNA Plasmids vs. Bacteria

Our class did a lab showing the effect of inserting DNA into bacteria. More specifically, we inserted a pGLO plasmid DNA into colonies of E. Coli.

plas·mid

ˈplazmid/

noun

BIOLOGY

1. 1.

   a genetic structure in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes, typically a small circular DNA strand in the cytoplasm of a bacterium or protozoan. Plasmids are much used in the laboratory manipulation of genes.

   
   

   (Shown below) 

We inserted the plasmid into the bacteria by a series of heat shock therapy. This is done by cooling the bacteria, heating them at very high temperatures, and then cooling them rapidly once again after. This is to allow the DNA to enter, and then create a way for it to stay inside the cell.

We then took our two test tubes (-pGLO and +pGLO, which indicates which bacteria contain the gene and which do not), and streaked them into 4 different petri dishes with agar inside.

Four Plates:
1.) LB (-pGLO)
2.) LB/amp (-pGLO)
3.) LB/amp (+pGLO)
4.) LB/amp/ara (+pGLO)

LB - a nutrient broth
amp - ampicillin, a bacterial resistant drug
ara - arabinose

We will wait 24 hours to collect our results. In the mean time, the dishes will be placed in an incubator to grow.