Bacterial
Transformation
By Joyce Simko, Anita Beebe, Judy
King and Sr. Clare Marie Klein
Overview:
What is Bacterial Transformation?
The transformation of bacteria!
The genetic information of a
bacterial cell actually takes in new
genetic information and makes it a
part of itself! It can then copy that
sequence over and over and over
and over and over and over……..
How? Why? Stay tuned!
E. coli
Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium in the
human gut. It has been extensively studied in the
laboratory and is an important research organism
for molecular biology.
E. coli reproduce very rapidly; a single microscopic cell
can divide to form a visible colony with millions of
cells overnight. Like all bacteria, E. coli has no
nuclear envelope surrounding the bacterial
chromosome and thus no true nucleus. All of the
genes required for basic survival and reproduction
are found in the single chromosome.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab6/concepts1.html
Plasmids
 Plasmids are circular pieces of DNA that
exist outside the main bacterial chromosome
and carry their own genes for specialized functions. In genetic
engineering, plasmids are one means used to introduce foreign
genes into a bacterial cell.
 Some plasmids have the ampR gene, which confers resistance to the
antibiotic ampicillin. E. coli cells containing this plasmid, can survive
and form colonies on LB agar that has been supplemented with
ampicillin. Cells lacking the ampR plasmid are sensitive to the
antibiotic, which kills them. An ampicillin-sensitive cell can be
transformed to an ampicillin-resistant cell by its uptake of a foreign
plasmid containing the ampR gene. The same can be said for the lac
gene, which codes for lactose. If this gene is taken in, the organism
can break down lactose.
 To transform cells, you first need to make them competent to take up
extracellular DNA.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab6/concepts1.html
In the Beginning…
God said, “Let there be transformation!!!”
http://www.dnalc.org/ddnalc/resources/tran
sformation2.html
http://www.dnatube.com/thumb/2_202.jpg
Transformation Procedure
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab6/concepts1.html
Results
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab6/concepts1.html
TEST TIME!!!
 Place the Stages of Transformation in Order:
C,B,D,E,A
In the Classroom
 STANDARDS RICH!
Unique & interesting ways to expand the
scientific world of students
History of science (DNA Timeline)
Integrates Math, Science and History
Allows students to use many scientific
instruments and processes
Explores new methods
Scientific inquiry—allows students to
explore
Careers in science
Future of Science Research
Lab Work
DNA Timeline
http://www.dnai.org/timeline/index.html

kentsimmons.uwinnipeg.ca/ cm1504/mendel.htm
S t r e t c h i n g Our Abilities!
Working with high tech equipment:
Modern Lab
Modeling GREAT Science Teaching
Active Learners with our Colleagues
Opportunity to Share Curriculum
Grow in Confidence with new Computer
Knowledge
Best and Brightest Teachers
Concluding Thoughts
Thank you!!!
The End!