Question

Describe the different type of transformations that can be carried out using enzymes

Answer 1

Transformation and selection of bacteria are key steps in DNA cloning. DNA cloning is the process of making many copies of a specific piece of DNA, such as a gene. The copies are often made in bacteria.

In a typical cloning experiment, researchers first insert a piece of DNA, such as a gene, into a circular piece of DNA called a plasmid. This step uses restriction enzymes and DNA ligase and is called a ligation.

After a ligation, the next step is to transfer the DNA into bacteria in a process called transformation.

Steps of bacterial transformation and selection:

1. Specially prepared bacteria are mixed with DNA .

2. The bacteria are given a heat shock, which causes some of them to take up a plasmid.

3. Plasmids used in cloning contain an antibiotic resistance gene. Thus, all of the bacteria are placed on an antibiotic plate to select for ones that took up a plasmid.

4. Bacteria without a plasmid die. Each bacterium with a plasmid gives rise to a cluster of identical, plasmid-containing bacteria called a colony.

5. Several colonies are checked to identify one with the right plasmid .

6. A colony containing the right plasmid is grown in bulk and used for plasmid or protein production.