MIC 206 Module 5 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is transformation in bacteria?
Transformation is the process by which bacteria acquire new genetic material (DNA) from their environment, allowing them to adapt to environmental changes.
What is horizontal gene transfer?
Horizontal gene transfer is the movement of DNA between bacteria that are not parent and offspring, occurring between members living in proximity.
What is naked DNA?
Naked DNA refers to DNA that is released into the environment from dead cells and is not contained within a cell.
What are plasmids?
Plasmids are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that can be easily manipulated to carry genes of interest.
What is the role of plasmids in transformation?
Plasmids carry new genes into bacterial cells and can multiply within the cell, maintaining multiple copies of the gene of interest.
What are transformants?
Transformants are bacterial cells that have taken up plasmid DNA and can be selected by growing them on media containing antibiotics.
What is the purpose of the experiment described?
The purpose is to study transformation in bacteria, specifically transforming E. coli cells with a recombinant plasmid (pGFP).
What traits does the pGFP plasmid introduce to E. coli?
The pGFP plasmid introduces a green color from the expression of Green Fluorescence Protein and resistance to the antibiotic Ampicillin.
How are E. coli cells made competent?
E. coli cells are made competent through chemical treatment with Calcium Chloride (CaCl2), which opens pores in the cytoplasmic membrane.
What is the significance of antibiotic resistance genes in plasmids?
Antibiotic resistance genes allow transformed bacterial cells to survive in the presence of antibiotics, enabling selection of transformants.
What is the heat shock step in transformation?
The heat shock step involves transferring the tubes to a water bath at 42°C for 60 seconds to generate thermal currents that force DNA into the cells.
What is the incubation temperature after adding nutrient broth?
After adding nutrient broth, the tubes are incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes.
What should be done after spreading the solutions on the agar plates?
Once the plates are dry, they should be inverted and placed at 37°C overnight.
What should be recorded after incubation?
The number of colonies on each plate should be recorded under visible and UV light.
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology refers to technology used to manipulate DNA.
What is genetic engineering?
The procedures used in biotechnology are often referred to as genetic engineering.
What is DNA?
DNA is the genetic material of all living organisms.
Can genes from one organism be used in another?
Yes, genes from one kind of organism can be transcribed and translated when put into another kind of organism.
What are some products synthesized using bacteria?
Human insulin, human growth hormone, and vaccines are produced by bacteria.
What is recombinant DNA?
Recombinant DNA refers to DNA from two different sources.
What does it mean to be transgenic?
Individuals that receive genes from other species are transgenic.
What are vectors in biotechnology?
Vectors are DNA used to transfer genes into a host cell.
How are plasmids used as vectors?
Plasmids can be used to transform bacteria by including a foreign gene.
What are marker genes?
Marker genes can be used to determine if the gene has been taken up and must have some distinguishable characteristic.
