Lab Report: E. Coli transformation with GFP

E.Coli by Definition: a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, where it usually causes no harm. Some strains can cause severe food poisoning, especially in old people and children.

What organism does this lab attempt to transform?
This lab attempts to transform bacterial E. Coli.

In the context of this lab, what do we mean when we say a cell is competent?
Cellular competence is the ability of a cell to take up genetic material from its environment. In this lab it was accomplished by manipulating the E. Coli membrane by changing temperature.  The plasmid pFluoroGreen was used as a vector in this experiment. What do we mean when we say, “used as a vector”?

pFluoroGreen’s insertion allows for the genetic expression and replication of certain traits, it is literally cut into the cell’s DNA.

How big is the plasmid pFluoroGreen?
pFluoroGreen is about 40,000 atomic units.

What is the transformation efficiency of your technique?
The E. Coli failed to take up the pFluoroGreen and the transformation efficiency is zero.

Side Notes on E. Coli Prevention:

– Practice Excellent Hygeine
– Clean and Sanitize all fruits (domestic and imported)
– Be careful of cross contamination while cooking
– Do not allow children to share bath water with anyone with signs of a stomach flu
– Do not let family members touch or pet farm animals
– Wear disposable gloves when changing diapers of any child
– When cooking hamburgers, its the temperature that matters, not the color of the meat