Cloning Virtual Lab - Transformation

Theoretical Background/Context

• Formation of a recombinant DNA molecule is done by ligation of the cut yeast DNA fragment with the cut plasmid DNA. Ligase enzyme is used for this reaction.

• Both yeast and plasmid DNA were cut with the same restriction enzyme, which means both are cut at the same sequence of nucleotides (restriction site of EcoRI). This creates complementary sticky ends in both DNA fragments (yeast and plasmid).

• Complementary ends can easily attach to each other in the presence of ligase enzyme.

• Transformation means the introduction of genetic material into bacterial cells.

After the preparation of the JM101 to be competent cells, they are transformed with:

1. The recombinant molecule which contains the DNA fragment of interest.
2. Uncut pUC19, prepared as a control.
3. Sterile water, also prepared as a control.

• At last, begin plating out the transformed bacteria using the spread-plate technique onto a medium containing Ampicillin, X-Gal, and IPTG (isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside).

Principle Work of Cloning Virtual Lab

The cloning virtual lab process is divided into 3 parts:

1- Recombinant DNA molecule synthesis is done by ligating:

• The ‘dephosphorylated/EcoRI-digested pUC19 plasmid’ with the ‘EcoRI-digested yeast genome fragments’

• This creates a recombinant DNA molecule ‘Expt ligation’ that can be used as a ‘vector’, demonstrating the recombinant DNA simulation process. Remember: Both (a) and (b) were prepared in unit (1).

2- Transformation:

• Vectors are then introduced into competent cells of ‘Escherichia coli strain JM101’ which is a process called transformation, illustrating the bacterial transformation simulation procedure. 

• You start by preparing the e. coli ‘JM101’ to be competent.

You will prepare a sample enough for:

• Transformation using the “Expt Ligation”.

• Transformation using diluted uncut pUC19 to be used as CONTROL.

• Transformation using sterile water “No pUC19 DNA” to be used as CONTROL (referred to as No DNA sample).

3- Plating:

• The transformed bacteria should be plated onto agar medium containing ampicillin, X-Gal and IPTG, allowing you to select and screen for recombinant DNA vector(s).

This DNA cloning transformation experiment provides hands-on experience with fundamental genetic engineering simulation techniques used in modern molecular biology research.