1. Creating Genetically Modified Bacteria
Genetics Activity 2
Creating Genetically Modified Bacteria

2. 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.

3. 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?
Discuss how fresh fruits/vegetables can rot fairly quickly, and how scientists have inserted a gene into tomatoes and other produce to help slow ripening

4. Genetic Modification Bacteria have both DNA and plasmids
Plasmid: small, circular DNA separate from the larger bacterial chromosome

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

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

7. E. coli
E. coli are bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals
Some E. coli cause illness, some do not

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

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

10. 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)

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. GM salmon can grow faster in the
same amount of time

16. GM tomatoes that take much longer
to rot

17. 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)

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

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Label the pGFP
GFP gene
Ampicillin-
resistance
gene