Here's an example of what's due today

Cloning and purification workflow

Mon, Dec 7, 2026 · Week 16 · 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, labelled both plates and incubated them. A surviving cell still has to divide into a visible colony, so I read the plates after their 16 to 24 hours, not at the end of the block: 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.
StepActionResult
TransformationHeat shock plasmid into cellsCells took up plasmid
SelectionPlate on antibiotic, incubate 16 to 24 h38 colonies; control 0
PurificationFirst separationTarget in soluble fraction
Quality noteCheck control plateNo growth, so no contamination
Workflow data table: transformation, selection read after incubation (38 colonies vs 0 control), purification fraction, and a contamination-control quality note.
Why this matters

This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: Completes the workflow lab: a data table recording transformation, selection counts, fraction data, yield, and one quality observation across the cloning-to-purification pipeline.

Build yours step by step
  1. State the question and method.
  2. Present the observations and data with units.
  3. Explain the result, limitations, and next investigation.
Change it for a new task

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 cloning and purification workflow data table in Schoology before the end of block.

Turn in: Cloning and purification workflow data table recording transformation results, selection counts, fraction data, yield, and a quality observation.

Go to Schoology to turn this in.

Submit one PDF. Schoology attaches your name to your upload; on the page itself, write your period and code. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.

Open Schoology PDF upload help

If 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.

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.

Why this practice matters

It builds this reusable test skill: Interpreting antibiotic selection results in a transformation workflow.

Use it on a new WebXam question
  1. Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
  2. Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
  3. Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.