Here's an example of what's due today
Cloning and purification workflow
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · Week 15 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Carry out a cloning and protein-purification workflow and record results at each step.
Learn first
What a finished product looks like
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.
Cloning and purification workflow data table
Completes: Completes the workflow lab: a data table recording transformation, selection counts, fraction data, yield, and one quality observation across the cloning-to-purification pipeline.
Workflow record:
- Transformation: introduced the recombinant plasmid into host cells using heat shock, which opens pores in the membrane so plasmid DNA can enter.
- Selection: plated cells on antibiotic medium. Only cells carrying the resistance gene on the plasmid survived. I counted 38 colonies on the plate with my recombinant cells and 0 on the no-plasmid control, which tells me selection worked.
- Purification: ran the first separation step, which split soluble protein away from cell debris. The target protein appeared in the soluble fraction.
- Yield and quality: estimated yield was moderate; one quality note is that the no-plasmid control showed no growth, so the colonies I counted really are transformed cells and not contamination.
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Transformation | Heat shock plasmid into cells | Cells took up plasmid |
| Selection | Plate on antibiotic | 38 colonies; control 0 |
| Purification | First separation | Target in soluble fraction |
| Quality note | Check control plate | No growth, so no contamination |
Also due today: Submit your cloning and purification workflow data table to the course shell before the end of block.
Check yourself
WebXam problem for today's skill
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.
WebXam-style domain: CulturingSelf-check skill: Interpreting antibiotic selection results in a transformation workflow
After transformation, a student plates cells on antibiotic medium. The plate with recombinant cells grows 38 colonies, and the no-plasmid control plate grows 0 colonies. What does this result tell the student?
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.