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IT GLOWS!

Genetically transformed bacteria has new characteristics

by Sara Walsh on May 08, 2008

The biology class recently completed the pGlo lab in which they perform a genetic transformation.  The GFP (green fluorescent protein) was taken from jellyfish that have bioluminescent qualities.  This gene was then placed in a plasmid (a small, circular piece of 'extra' bacterial DNA).  

This recombinant DNA was then placed with the E. coli that was to be transformed.  Through a series of heating and cooling (and the addition of a chemical), it allowed the E. coli to take up the new gene.  

Next to the GFP gene was the gene for ampicillin resistance (an antibiotic).  So when the students plated the bacteria, they put them on agar that contained ampicillin.  This allowed only the target cells (the ones with the new gene) to grow.  

Furthermore, in order to create and express the GFP, the bacteria needs arabinose (a sugar).  So only the plates that also contained arabinose allowed the genetically transformed to glow under a UV light.

This lab is made possible by a partnership with the UNL biotech outreach program.