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Bacterial Transformation Lab
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The "glowing genes" activity on this engaging website shows students the process of bacterial transformation, a specific type of genetic engineering. This online activity supplements a hands-on lab at the Dolan DNA Learning Center's Harlem DNA Lab, in which plasmids, or tiny loops of DNA that contain genes, are inserted into a harmless strain of E. coli. With the insertion of two new genes (a green fluorescent protein gene and a gene that allows the bacteria cells to produce an enzyme that makes them resistant to the antibiotic ampicillin), the bacteria exhibit two new traits. They glow green in ultraviolet light, and they are able to survive in ampicillin. Teachers and students can learn how the experiment is conducted by watching interviews with scientists and viewing animations that explain the transformation process, recombinant plasmids, heat shock, and other relevant topics. A comprehensive teacher manual contains background information on genes and proteins, as well as lab procedures and materials. A student manual contains the lab protocols. The Bacterial Transformation Lab is one of six experiments found at the Lab Center's Internet site. The experiments cover key genetics and biotechnology concepts taught in middle school and high school science classes.
Harlem DNA Lab on Bacterial Transformation
This interactive activity allows students to explore a genetic engineering technique that is used by pharmaceutical companies to produce human proteins for the treatment of various genetic disorders.
Media: Flash MultimediaProgram Director: David Micklos
Award Years: 1990, 1994, 1999, 2007
Summary: Cold Spring Harbor is a private, non-profit research and education institution in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. Its HHMI-funded initiatives include: An integrated laboratory and computer system that allows students to examine their own DNA polymorphisms, share data via the Internet and reconstruct human evolution; A large-scale program, Genetics as a Model for Whole Learning, that brings hands-on genetics into middle school classrooms, involving more than 10,000 students per year from 22 school districts and five private schools in metropolitan New York; and A professional development program, a close collaboration between the Dolan DNA Learning Center and the New York City Department of Education, which enables teachers to deliver hands-on, inquiry-based experiments in genetics and biotechnology to eighth- and ninth-graders. An online Lab Center—a mini-website including animations, interviews, class results, follow-up activities and projects—supports the program.