Bacterial transformation is a molecular biology technique used to introduce genetic material into bacterial cells. Plasmids are generally used: they are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in which genes of interest are inserted through recombinant DNA techniques. Transformed cells express new features if compared to the initial population: they can produce large quantities of a protein product or resist the action of antibiotics, which would normally cause their death, and even become fluorescent. This technique is used to study how complex gene systems work in simple models such as bacteria. After an introduction on bacterial transformation a practical activity follows. Participants will experiment a complex procedure for plasmids extraction known as MINIPREP using an interactive virtual laboratory. As in a real lab students will take solutions with micropipettes, choose the right option to complete each step and get the plasmid DNA to the right purity used for bacterial transformation. At the end of the activity, further research material on biotechnological applications of bacterial transformation and a final self-assessment test will be provided.
Event host: Fondazione Golinelli
Event venue: Online event
More info: scuola@fondazionegolinelli.it Tel. 0510923208