Genetics Activity 2 Creating Genetically Modified Bacteria Click

Genetics Activity 2 Creating Genetically Modified Bacteria

Click on the video button to watch a short clip on the GFP gene before you begin your notes. You should use headphones if you have them handy.

Genetic Modification • Taking a gene from one organism and inserting it into the genome of another is called GENETIC MODIFICATION. – What is a problem with fresh fruits and vegetables? – What can scientists do to avoid it?

Genetic Modification • Bacteria have both DNA and plasmids – PLASMID: small, circular DNA separate from the larger bacterial chromosome

Genetic Modification • Any desired gene can be inserted into a plasmid Human Cell Nucleus with DNA Cutting out a gene E. coli Plasmid DNA Cutting the plasmid Plasmid with Insulin Gene

Genetic Modification • The bacteria will clone itself to make more bacteria Human Insulin

E. coli • E. coli are bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warmblooded animals • Some E. coli cause illness, some do not

E. coli • E. coli are ideal for investigating genetics and techniques for genetic modification – Easy to grow – Relatively simple – Easy to genetically modify

Steps in Genetically Modifying Organisms • To genetically modify an organism (transform it): – The foreign genetic material must get into the organism’s cells

Steps in Genetically Modifying Organisms • To genetically modify an organism (transform it): – The foreign genetic material must be taken up by the cell’s genome (the introduced gene must become part of the host cell’s DNA)

Steps in Genetically Modifying Organisms • To genetically modify an organism (transform it): – The foreign genetic material must be expressed (a protein must be made)

Green Fluorescent Protein • Found naturally in jellyfish species (A. victoria) • Green fluorescent gene codes for green fluorescent protein • GENE EXPRESSION: the activity of genes in cells, which allows for proteins to be made

What’s the Point? • Bacteria replicate very quickly, producing a large number of copies of the desired gene • Scientists can use this gene for our benefit – Humans: insulin, growth hormone – Plants: delay ripening, resist spoilage, resist diseases – Animals: sheep with better wool, pig with leaner meat, fast-growing salmon

Resists being eaten by insects due to a bacterial gene in its DNA

GM salmon can grow faster in the same amount of time

GM tomatoes that take much longer to rot

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • We will insert GFP (green fluorescent protein) into E. coli, and grow the bacteria on agar (provides nutrients for bacteria)

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • The plasmid we will insert has two genes:

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • A gene that allows it to glow green

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • A gene that causes it to be resistant to the antibiotic ampicillin

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • When bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, they will grow and reproduce even when they are exposed to antibiotics

Genetically Modifying E. coli to Glow Green! • If E. coli has taken up the plasmid, it should grow on plates with ampicillin, and it should glow under UV light • If E. coli hasn’t taken up the plasmid, it will not grow because the antibiotic (ampicillin) in the agar will kill it

Label the p. GFP gene Ampicillinresistance gene