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Illuminate students' understanding of bacterial transformation and evolution by challenging them to genetically modify bacteria to glow in the dark. Genes involved in the production of light (also known as the lux genes) have been removed from V. fischeri and placed in a plasmid, pVIB. Bacterial transformation is then used to transfer the pVIB plasmid into E. coli. After E. coli takes up the plasmid, the bacteria glow in the dark. Materials are sufficient for 4 student lab stations or groups.

Product Details
Intermediate—Easy to perform; requires some background knowledge.
Why have some bacteria, such as Vibrio fischeri, evolved to glow by bioluminescence?

Illuminate your students' understanding of bacterial transformation and evolution by challenging them to genetically modify bacteria to glow in the dark! With this kit, the group of genes involved in the production of light (also known as the lux genes) has been removed from V. fischeri and placed in a plasmid, pVIB. Bacterial transformation is then used to transfer the pVIB plasmid into E. coli. After E. coli takes up the plasmid, the bacteria glow in the dark.

Product Features

• Materials are sufficient for 4 student lab stations or groups.
• Includes the perishable materials.
• Introduces the topic of transformation as the group of genes involved in production of light (lux genes) is transferred from V. fischeri to E. coli bacteria through their uptake of recombinant plasmid. Note: Bacteria transformed with the pVIB plasmid must be grown at 30° C or less for the glowing to be seen.
• pVIB plasmid (item #211447) contains genes for both ampicillin resistance and luciferase.
• 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 #211088C).

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.

*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.