Name: _______________________________
Date: ___________
AP Biology Lab 8: Molecular Biology
Report
WHAT
Topic: molecular biology; recombinant DNA technology
Vocabulary: bacterial transformation, biotechnology, cDNA, cloning vector, DNA ligase,
E. coli, PCR, recombinant plasmid, reverse transcriptase, restriction enzyme
Expected results:
• The transformation of some of the bacteria using a plasmid containing genes for antibiotic
resistance is successful
• The transformed bacteria are able to grow in the presence of antibiotics; the non-transformed
bacteria will not
Actual results: (same -- but did not work in our case due to the WebLab glitch)
HOW
Ideal procedure: Set up a controlled experiment to test variables that affect bacterial survival.
• Keep most conditions constant (E. coli bacteria, growth chamber conditions, temperature,
sterile technique)
• Vary some conditions -- the independent variables (not transformed bacteria, transformed
bacteria; antibiotic absent, antibiotic present)
• Measure one variable over time -- the dependent variable (bacterial growth)
Actual procedure: (same -- but did not work in our case due to the WebLab glitch)
WHY
Explanation of results:
In nature bacteria routinely take in pieces of DNA from their environment. Molecular biologists
take advantage of this natural process when they transform bacteria. Plasmids containing
genes that convey antibiotic resistance will work in nature and the laboratory.
Explanation of process:
• Sterile technique is critically important -- the molecular biologist must ensure that ONLY the
desired bacteria are cultured and grown
• The success of the transformation attempt must be verified -- in this case the antibiotic serves
that function
• Colony growth must be observable & measurable -- in this case the growth is visible, but is not
quantifiable in absolute terms
Name: _______________________________
CONCLUSIONS
Big ideas:
Connections:
Date: ___________