Standard 5e Preknowledge
5e) ***Students know how exogenous DNA can be inserted into bacterial cells to alter their genetic makeup and support expression of new protein products.
CALIFORNIA FRAMEWORKS SUMMARY:
Bacteria can be induced to take up recombinant plasmids, a process called DNA transformation, and the plasmid is replicated as the bacteria reproduce. Recombinant bacteria can be grown to obtain billions of copies of the recombinant DNA. Commercially available kits containing all the necessary reagents, restriction enzymes, and bacteria are available for experiments in plasmid DNA transformation.
Although the reagents and equipment can be expensive, various California corporations and universities have programs to make the cost more affordable, sometimes providing reagents and lending equipment.
Students should know that DNA transformation is a natural process and that horizontal DNA transfer is common in the wild. An example of how humans have manipulated genetic makeup is through the selective breeding of pets and of agricultural crops.