Name: bacterial transformation in the lab
Uploaded: 2021-04-07T12:12:00.000Z
Duration: 1 min 33 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Alabama Course of Study Science

9-12

Biology

from-molecules-to-organisms-structures-and-processes

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

9-12.B.1.2.c

Bacterial Transformation

Bacterial transformation is the process by which bacteria take up exogenous DNA from the environment.Some bacteria can naturally take up this exogenous DNA, while others are chemically induced in the lab to make their cell membrane permeable to DNA. This step is part of DNA cloning, which helps scientists study gene sequences, their functions, and the proteins they encode.In the lab, the DNA sequence of interest is inserted into a circular piece of DNA called a plasmid. This DNA of interest is the exogenous DNA that will be introduced into the bacteria.The plasmid usually also carries an antibiotic resistance gene, which helps scientists to identify bacteria that have taken up the plasmid.A large number of copies of the plasmid are added to the liquid medium containing the competent bacteria, followed by a brief heat shock. The sudden temperature change from ice to 42&#xB0;C increases membrane permeability, allowing plasmid DNA to enter the cell.The bacteria are then grown on selective media containing a specific antibiotic, which allows only resistant cells that have taken up the cloned plasmid to survive and grow.Only transformed cells multiply to form colonies, which are visible spots of bacterial growth derived from a single cell.

bacterial transformation

In 1928, bacteriologist Frederick Griffith worked on a vaccine for pneumonia, which is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Griffith studied two pneumonia strains in mice: one pathogenic and one non-pathogenic. Only the pathogenic strain killed host mice.Griffith made an unexpected discovery when he killed the pathogenic strain and mixed its remains with the live, non-pathogenic strain. Not only did the mixture kill host mice, but it also contained living pathogenic bacteria that produced pathogenic offspring. Griffith concluded that the non-pathogenic strain received something from the dead pathogenic strain that transformed it into the pathogenic strain; he called this the transforming principle.At the time of Griffith&#x2019;s studies, there was heated debate surrounding the identity of the genetic material. Much early evidence implicated proteins as the hereditary molecules. Griffith&#x2019;s experiments on bacterial transformation provided some of the earliest data demonstrating that DNA is the genetic material.Bacteria incorporate external DNA through transformation. Transformation occurs naturally but is also induced in laboratories&#x2014;often to clone DNA. To clone a specific gene, scientists can insert the gene into a plasmid, a circular DNA molecule that can independently replicate. The plasmid often contains an antibiotic resistance gene. Bacteria take up the plasmid through transformation. Scientists then expose the bacteria to antibiotics. Surviving bacterial colonies should contain the plasmid because the plasmid contains an antibiotic resistance gene. DNA analysis can confirm the gene&#x2019;s presence in the plasmid. Bacterial colonies with the desired gene propagate and can be used to make more plasmids or proteins.Why would bacteria take in foreign DNA? Unlike sexually reproducing organisms, bacteria essentially clone themselves. This reproductive method, called binary fission, offers few opportunities for genetic variation. Although mutations introduce some diversity, many mutations are harmful. Sharing genes through transformation, as well as conjugation and transduction, allows prokaryotes to evolve.

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Education

JoVE Core

Molecular Biology

Unit 2

Analyzing Gene Expression and Function

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

bacterial transformation in the lab

Bacterial transformation is a lab method used to move new DNA into bacteria. Scientists use it to change how bacteria behave or to help them carry a gene of interest. In high school biology, this process is often shown with plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules.

During transformation, bacteria take up DNA from their surroundings. The new DNA can then be used by the cell, depending on the experiment. This technique is an important part of genetic engineering and is widely used in molecular biology labs.

Bacterial transformation also helps scientists study genes and test how DNA affects living cells. It gives students a clear model for understanding how genetic material can be introduced into an organism and passed on during cell growth.

Bacterial Transformation in the Lab

in vitro mutagenesis

In Vitro Mutagenesis for Gene Analysis

In vitro mutagenesis is a lab method used to change DNA and study gene function. It helps scientists test how specific DNA changes affect a gene’s activity and the traits it controls. A common approach is to make a known change in a DNA sequence and then examine the result. This can be done by deleting, inserting, or altering selected bases in a gene. The method is useful for linking a DNA change to a biological effect. Researchers use in vitro mutagenesis in molecular biology, genetics, and...

genetic screens

Using Genetic Screens to Find Disease Genes

Genetic screens are tools used to find genes and mutations linked to specific traits. They are also used to identify people or groups at risk for genetic diseases. That can support early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive choices. Forward genetic screens, also called classical screens, start with random DNA changes in an organism. Researchers may use radiation, mutagens, or added bases to create mutations that lead to visible phenotype changes. The mutant is then inbred so...

test cross

Test Cross in Genetic Inheritance

A test cross is a genetics tool used to determine the genotype of an organism with a dominant trait. It helps reveal whether the dominant individual is homozygous or heterozygous by crossing it with a recessive individual. The outcome of the cross shows the hidden genotype. If any offspring show the recessive trait, the dominant parent must carry one recessive allele. If all offspring show the dominant trait, the dominant parent is likely homozygous dominant. Test crosses are common in basic...

complementation tests

Using Crosses to Group Mutations

A complementation test uses a simple cross to find out whether two mutations are in the same gene or in different genes. It helps show how mutations are arranged on chromosomes. Edward Lewis first performed this test in the 1940s while studying fruit flies. To do the test, organisms heterozygous for different mutations are crossed pairwise in all combinations. If the mutations are in different genes, they can complement each other. In that case, each mutation provides the missing genetic...

single nucleotide polymorphisms-snps

SNPs as Genetic Markers and Variants

Single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, are small DNA changes at one specific genomic position. They are the most common type of sequence variation in the human genome. A point mutation counts as an SNP when it appears in more than 1% of the population.

Bacterial transformation is a lab method used to move new DNA into bacteria. Scientists use it to change how bacteria behave or to help them carry a gene of interest. In high school biology, this process is often shown with plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules. During transformation, bacteria take up DNA from their surroundings. The new DNA can then be used by the cell, depending on the experiment. This technique is an important part of genetic engineering and is widely used in...

transgenic organisms

Making Transgenic Organisms

Transgenic organisms are living things with DNA added from another organism. A transgene is the inserted gene. Scientists use this method to change an organism’s traits and to study how genes work. To make a transgenic organism, researchers first identify the gene they want to add. They then place that gene into the target organism’s DNA. Once the gene is integrated, the organism can pass it to new cells as it grows. This approach is useful in biology because it helps scientists analyze gene...

reproductive cloning

Cloning an Organism by Reproduction

Reproductive cloning creates a new organism that is genetically the same as the donor. It is different from cloning genes or cells because the goal is to make a whole living individual. This process usually relies on somatic cell nuclear transfer. In this method, the nucleus from a body cell is placed into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. The egg can then develop into an embryo with DNA from the donor cell. Reproductive cloning is used to produce a copy of an organism, such...

crispr

CRISPR Gene Editing Basics

CRISPR is a gene editing tool that helps scientists make targeted changes to DNA. It uses a guide system to find a chosen sequence and a cutting protein to act at that spot. This method is based on a natural defense system found in bacteria. In high school biology, it is often studied as a way to see how genes can be edited with precision. CRISPR is widely used in molecular biology research. It helps scientists explore how genes function and how DNA changes can affect living things.

experimental rnai

RNAi for Gene Silencing and Discovery

RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene-silencing process used to reduce gene expression. It can block transcription or trigger RNA degradation. Scientists first discovered this mechanism in plants in 1998 through Andrew Fire and Craig Mello. RNAi has since been found in many eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. Researchers use it as a practical tool to study gene function. It can show what a gene does without permanently changing the organism’s DNA. <br...

reporter genes

Reporter Genes in Cells and Plasmids

Reporter genes are protein-coding genes used to track gene activity in cells. They are often tagged to a gene of interest so scientists can see whether that gene is present or active. When the tagged genes are expressed together, reporter genes can produce visible signals such as fluorescence or luminescence. These signals help show the presence or absence of a gene of interest in an organism. They can also reveal the pattern of gene expression or the location of a DNA segment or protein...

in-situ hybridization

ISH Probes for DNA and RNA Detection

In situ hybridization (ISH) uses labeled probes to detect and localize specific DNA or RNA molecules in cells, tissues, or tissue sections. The probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to a matching nucleotide sequence in the sample. Since its first use in 1969 for nucleic acid studies, ISH has become an important tool in research and in clinical diagnosis. Several probe types can be used in ISH. These include single-stranded DNA probes, double-stranded DNA probes, antisense...

chromatin immunoprecipitation- chip

ChIP Methods for DNA-Protein Binding

Chromatin immunoprecipitation, or ChIP, is an antibody-based method for finding where proteins bind to DNA. It is used to identify DNA sites bound by transcription factors or histone proteins. ChIP also helps show which histone changes are present, including acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation. ChIP is commonly divided into two forms: X-ChIP and N-ChIP. X-ChIP first cross-links proteins to DNA inside the cell, then breaks the DNA into pieces by sonication. The protein-DNA complexes...

synthetic biology

Synthetic Biology in Crops and Cells

Synthetic biology combines engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems biology to redesign living systems. Scientists use it to remodel organisms from nature or to build new synthetic organisms. These tools can support protein or enzyme production, bioremediation, the production of useful macromolecules, and the addition of helpful traits to crops. One well-known example is golden rice. This genetically modified rice plant makes grains rich in β-carotene, which is a precursor of...

ribosome profiling

Ribosome Profiling for Translation Snapshot

Ribosome profiling is a deep sequencing method that gives a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes. This shows which messages are being read to make proteins at a specific moment. The method has several uses in biology. It can track translation in a living organ or tissue type. It also helps measure new protein synthesis levels. Researchers use it to find translated open reading frames, which are stretches of RNA that can make protein. It can...

transgenic plants

Transgenic Plants for Better Crops

Transgenic plants are crops that have been changed with recombinant DNA technology, also called transgenesis. This method adds a foreign gene or removes a harmful one from an organism. The result is a genetically modified organism. The first transgenic plant was a tobacco plant made in 1983, and it was resistant to tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, transgenic plants have been developed for many uses in agriculture, horticulture, and ornamental plants. Some are designed to resist pests or...

gene therapy

Gene Therapy for Disease Treatment

Gene therapy is a treatment approach that changes gene activity to help address disease. It focuses on the genetic cause of a problem rather than only easing symptoms. In this way, it is used in disease intervention. One common strategy is to replace a faulty gene with a normal copy. Another strategy is to inactivate a gene that is causing harm. Gene therapy can also introduce a new gene to help cells work more normally.

epistasis analysis

Gene Interaction Maps in Epistasis

Gene interaction maps in epistasis show how different genes work together to shape a phenotype. In epistasis, the interaction of genes or alleles at different locations affects the final trait. This often happens when one gene masks or interferes with the expression of another gene. Epistasis is common when genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. In that case, the expression of one gene can depend on a gene product made earlier in the pathway. Genes that mask or inhibit other genes in...

genome-wide association studies-gwas

Using SNP Patterns to Link Disease Risk

Genome-wide association studies, or GWAS, look for common SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, that may be linked to disease. Researchers compare how often a SNP appears in people with a disease and in people without it. When a SNP is seen more often in the disease group, it is considered associated with that disease. GWAS uses chi-square analysis to test the chance that an allele is linked to the disease. This approach does not require scientists to first find the target gene behind the...

key terms and concepts

Learn how bacterial transformation lets bacteria take up new DNA in the lab, often using plasmids, and why it matters in genetic engineering.

Bacterial Transformation in the Lab | JoVE K12

molecular biology

JoVE Core Molecular Biology showcases the molecular processes of the cell through clear and concise animated video lessons. Additionally, in scientist-in-action videos, these concepts' application is demonstrated through real experiments in modern laboratories.

What are Cells?

Cells are the smallest and basic units of life, whether it is a single cell that forms the entire organism, e.g., in a bacterium or trillions of them, ...

Cell Size

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Eukaryotic Compartmentalization

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Prokaryotic Cells

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Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The ...

The Nucleus

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that acts as a control center in a eukaryotic cell. It contains chromosomal DNA, which controls gene expression ...

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Endoplasmic ReticulumThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an extensive network of membranous sacs and tubules in eukaryotic cells, continuous with the outer ...

Ribosomes

Ribosomes translate genetic information encoded by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have ribosomes. Cells that ...

Golgi Apparatus

As they leave the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), properly folded and assembled proteins are selectively packaged into vesicles. These vesicles are ...

Lysosomes

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Peroxisomes

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overview-of-myosin-structure-and-function

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The Extracellular Matrix

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ATP Energy Storage and Release

ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis

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1. Engage in evidence-based argument to relate a cell's function to the structure, function, and diversity of its components. Examples: Muscle cells have a large number of mitochondria, which create energy for contraction in the form of ATP. Some plant cells have a large vacuole which is used for storage and transport of excess nutrients in changing environments.

9-12.B.1.1

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised&#160; of nucleotides and proteins are ...

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form ...

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse ...

Transcription

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Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

General Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of ...

RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins

Transcription Elongation Factors

pre-mrna-processing-modification-of-pre-mrna-ends

Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends

In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or ...

Pre-mRNA Processing: RNA Splicing

Chromatin Structure and RNA Splicing

Alternative RNA Splicing

Nuclear Export of mRNA

Transfer RNA Synthesis

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

The Nucleolus

Additional Subnuclear Structures

Translation

Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes ...

tRNA Activation

Initiation of Translation

Termination of Translation

Improving Translational Accuracy

prokaryotic-transcriptional-activators-and-repressors

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Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

The Eukaryotic Promoter Region

Molecular Chaperones and Protein Folding

Co-activators and Co-repressors

The Proteasome

Master Transcription Regulators

Regulated Protein Degradation

Regulated mRNA Transport

Proteins: From Genes to Degradation

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

Cell Specific Gene Expression

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regulation-of-expression-occurs-at-multiple-steps

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Cis-regulatory Sequences

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

cooperative-binding-of-transcription-regulators

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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. ...

2. Obtain and evaluate information to explain the role of DNA and RNA in transcription and translation leading to protein synthesis and cellular function.

9-12.B.1.2

Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides

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a. Use a model to describe the structure and sequence of DNA, including nucleotide structure, base pairing, and the structure of the helix.

9-12.B.1.2.a

Bacterial Transformation in the Lab

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