True Blue™ Transformation Lab: Genetically Engineering Bacteria
This lab is simple for teachers to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and can be completed in a standard 45 minute class period
Engage your students in one of the most widely used methods in
genetic engineering using the True Blue™ Bacterial Transformation kit.
Scientists use bacterial transformation in a wide variety of laboratory,
agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical applications, from the
creation of medical-grade insulin to enzymes that are used in
detergents. Now you can bring this bioengineering technique to your
biology class! In this lab, F.A.S.T.™ E. coli cells are
transformed with a plasmid encoding a gene that causes bacteria to turn
blue, allowing students to easily identify transformed cells by the
color of the bacterial colonies.
This robust and straightforward lab serves as an introduction to
bacterial transformation. Streamlined teacher prep and an easy-to-follow
lab guide allow students to experience the fundamentals of genetic
engineering.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, bacterial transformation
- Topics: Biotechnology, molecular biology
- Time required: Requires a 45-minute class period (see Curriculum Downloads for prep details)
- Level: General high school through college
What is included?
This lab provides enough reagents for 10 lab groups:
- pTru Plasmid DNA
- Carbenicillin
- X-Gal
- Sterile Water
- Calcium Chloride
- F.A.S.T.™ E. coli cells, lyophilized
- SOC Recovery Media
- LB Agar Powder
- 40 sterile Petri dishes
- 40 sterile spreaders
- 50 sterile 1.7 ml tubes
Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Incubator (optional)
Storage notes:
- Some reagents require refrigerator storage and some require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 6 months when stored as directed
Downloads
If you cannot find the answer to your problem then please contact us or telephone +44 (0)1954 210 200