pGLO Transformation Lab
In the pGLO Lab, we followed procedures to perform a genetic transformation on E. coli with a plasmid, or single strand, of DNA that contained a gene to make our E. coli glow under Ultra Violet light. The plasmid, pGLO, was spliced out of jellyfish DNA. We prepped 4 plates, consisting of a control plate with just the LB agar, a plate without the pGLO plasmid but with AMP (Ampicillin), a plate weith the pGLO plasmid AND Ampicillin, and then finally, a plate with pGLO, Ampicillin, and Arabinose.
We observed our plates after we performed the transformation and noticed that only the plate with Arabinose in it glowed under Ultra Violet light. We found this to be due to the fact that the "Bla" gene was regulated through the "Arabinose Operon", which we discussed in detail in class. Basically, Arabinose needs to be present in order for mRNA to be transcribed and the protein that allows for glow to be made.
See the following images and attachments to view results and write-up from the pGLO Lab.
Kevin Palma holds our control plate where E. Coli florished, but did not glow under UV Light.
Group member Ariana Galvin smiles after prepping 4 plates for the pGLO lab
The plate with Arabinose present glows as the Arabinose Operon was activated to allow the "Bla" gene to turn on
Work Samples:
Reflection:
In this lab, I learned a lot about gene regulation. Through the Arabinose Operon, the cells were able to regulate when the DNA was being transcribed into mRNA. Before I did this lab, I didn't fuy understand the concept of gene regulation, however, this lab allowed for me to see a hands on approach to gene regulation.
I feel as if I did well on this lab as I worked well with my group and enjoyed doing it and wanted to learn about it because it interested me, not just because I wanted to get a good grade.