Download pGLO analysis questions

pGLO Bacterial Transformation Lab
AP Biology
Name: _____________________________
Lab Procedure Questions
Please complete these questions BEFORE you look at your results:
1. Draw a picture of the pGLO plasmid and clearly label the important genes coded for on this ring of
DNA:
2. What is GFP? What is its original source?
3. Why doesn’t the pGLO plasmid glow in the vial before it is transferred into the bacteria?
4. How will you know if your E.coli have taken up the plasmid? What new physical characteristics will
they have?
5. You prepared four plates of bacteria in lab.
a. Which plate should grow bacterial most like the bacteria found on your “starter” plate? (the
source of your E.coli for this lab) Why?
b. Which plate should have absolutely no growth? Why?
c. Where should you find bacteria that have been transformed? How will you know they have
taken up the pGLO plasmid?
d. Which plate should glow? Why?
Analysis Questions
1. Please draw your results and include an approximate count of colonies present on each plate. Include
the color of the bacteria and a brief explanation of why that plate shows growth, absence of growth or
glowing. Clearly label the control and experimental groups.
2. In this lab, the production of GFP is controlled by the turning on of the araC gene. Please explain the
following diagram that illustrates the arabinose operon. Draw the GFP gene in the necessary
location to indicate its production as part of this modified operon.
3. The action of the arabinose operon is most like which type of operon model we have been studying?
Why? Please explain the similarities.
4. Calculate the transformation efficiency of your lab procedure by completing the following data table.
Be sure to include units with all of your calculations.