Download BIO 208: GENETICS

BIO 208: GENETICS
08
Prelab Assignment
Read the pre- laboratory handouts: Glowing Fish, Protein of the Month, and
Transformation of E. coli with pGLO Plasmid DNA
Use full sentences and answer in your own words. Type. Use a separate piece of paper to
answer.
1. What is GFP and from what organism (genus and species) is the GFP gene obtained?
2. A number of colorations proteins have been identified in the snake-licks sea
anemone. Which of these proteins is/are fluorescent after UV irradiation an in what
part of the anemone body are they located?
3. The function of the GFP in marine organisms is unknown. Provide and explanation as
to how jellyfish might use bioluminescence.
4. The GFP gene can be engineered into other organisms DNA. How was this
accomplished in the zebra fish?
5. GFP is a powerful research tool. What does linking the GFP gene to another gene
allow scientists to do?
Provide an example of this application
Read the Transformation paper
6. What is bacterial genetic transformation?
7. What is a plasmid? Draw a picture of the pGLO plasmid and identify the origin of
replication, the GFP gene, and the gene that encodes a protein that allows the bacteria
to become resistant to ampicillin.
8. The heat shock and CaCl2 treatment (transformation solution) of competent bacteria
are essential in the laboratory transformation procedure. How do these two treatments
work to facilitate transformation?
9. GFP expression in transformed bacteria is regulated (can be turned on and off). What
is the name of the sugar used in this experiment to regulate the expression of the GFP
gene in transformed bacteria?
10. What type of light is required to visualize the GFP (protein)?
Read the entire Transformation of E. coli with pGLO Plasmid DNA handout to
familiarize yourself with the terms and concepts of the lab.