Transformation and gel wet lab
Thu, May 6, 2027 · Week 16 · Biotechnology for Health (Biomedical Innovations)
Today's goal: Run a bacterial transformation and a gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Transformation results (colony counts):
- Cells + plasmid, antibiotic agar: 84 colonies
- Cells + plasmid, plain agar: lawn (too many to count)
- Cells, no plasmid, antibiotic agar: 0 colonies
- Cells, no plasmid, plain agar: lawn
Gel setup: Lane 1 = DNA ladder, Lane 2 = uncut plasmid, Lane 3 = plasmid cut with one enzyme, Lane 4 = plasmid cut with two enzymes.
Raw band measurements (distance migrated from well):
- Lane 3: one band at 22 mm
- Lane 4: bands at 18 mm and 31 mm
Comparison to prediction: My pre-lab predicted no growth on the no-plasmid antibiotic plate, and I observed 0 colonies, which matches. The single-cut lane showing one band also matches the prediction that cutting a circular plasmid once gives one linear fragment.
| Condition | Plasmid | Antibiotic | Colony count |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Yes | Yes | 84 |
| B | Yes | No | Lawn |
| C | No | Yes | 0 |
| D | No | No | Lawn |
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Completes the wet-lab data page: transformation plate colony counts for each condition, a gel photo with labeled lanes, raw band-position measurements, and one comparison to the pre-lab prediction.
- State the question and method.
- Present the observations and data with units.
- Explain the result, limitations, and next investigation.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Submit your lab notebook data page on Schoology by end of class.
Turn in: Wet lab data record
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Put your first and last name in the document header. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about today's lesson. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Relating DNA fragment size to migration distance on a gel.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.