Transformation of E. coli

Activity Summary
Students transform competent E. coli cells with a pUWL501 plasmid which confers antibiotic resistance and bioluminescence. Students use bacteriological technique to spread bacterial cells on LB and LB/Amp plates to identify the transformed bacteria.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe what a plasmid is
2. Describe how a plasmid can enter a cell
3. List some potential uses of transformation
4. Explain the role of antibiotics as a control

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
plasmid, transformation, competent cell

Last updated: 3/4/2015