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This kit introduces bacterial transformation by demonstrating the induced uptake and expression of foreign DNA by a living cell. Students observe the phenotypic effect of adding new DNA sequences to living bacteria. E. coli cells that take up an antibiotic-resistance gene gain the ability to grow in the presence of ampicillin. Materials are sufficient for 4 student lab stations or groups; kit includes the perishable materials when shipped.

Product Details
Intermediate—Easy to perform; requires some background knowledge.
How can genetic engineering be used for bacteria to gain resistance to an antibiotic?

This kit introduces bacterial transformation by demonstrating the induced uptake and expression of foreign DNA by a living cell. Students observe the phenotypic effect of adding new DNA sequences to living bacteria. E. coli cells that take up an antibiotic-resistance gene gain the ability to grow in the presence of ampicillin.

Product Features

• Materials are sufficient for 4 student lab stations or groups
• Includes the perishable materials
• Designed to match traditional AP® Biology Lab 6
• pAMP plasmid (item #211429) contains the gene for ampicillin resistance
• Included paper model activity simulates creation of recombinant plasmid with restriction enzymes
• Complete visual lab procedure complements the written protocol
• Resource section connects the kit activities to authentic lab techniques, real-world careers, historical perspectives, and more
• Kit content and the skills used by students during the investigations support obtainment of BCSI biotechnology micro-credentials
• Kit provides an NGSS phenomena activity and aligns to science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts
• Perishables can be replenished with refill kit (item #211142B)

Note: Kit includes the perishable materials when shipped.

Time Requirement
Teacher prep, prepare LB agar plates and streak start plates. Performing the lab, approximately one to two 60-minute class periods. Post-lab results, approximately one 60-minute class period.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Connection to the Next Generation Science Standards*
Science and Engineering Practices

• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Performance Expectation(s)

• HS-LS1-1
• HS-LS3-1

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS1.A: Structure and Function
• LS4.B: Natural Selection

Crosscutting Concepts

• Cause and Effect

Learning Objectives

• Explain how one organism can be genetically engineered to produce a protein from a different organism.
• Draw connections between the techniques performed in this laboratory and the development of current critical pharmaceuticals.
• Explain the use and importance of selective marker genes in a bacterial transformation.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should have a basic knowledge of cell structure and function, cell wall and membrane structure and function, and a working knowledge of protein synthesis.

AP® is a trademark registered and/or owned by the College Board®, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.