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Genetic Expression In Gene Expression

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In gene expression DNA, the blueprint of life is transcribed into RNA, a nucleic acid that acts as a messenger carrying instructions that control the synthesis of proteins. Gene expression is vital to determining cell functions and exactly how much protein should be produced by the cell. The process in which the end proteins are modified can also be manipulated by researchers. The types of cells which are typically handled in laboratories include prokaryotes. Escherichia coli is a bacteria found in the human digestive system, preventing other pathogens from residing. Certain E. coli strains can be pathogenic and can lead to food poisoning, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections. Ampicillin is an antibiotic …show more content…

During this study, plasmids with ampicillin resistance (pAMP) known as pUC18, were manipulated due to their stability in extreme environments. The pUC18 plasmid pAMP gene codes for the production of beta-lactamase, an enzyme utilized in the breakdown of ampicillin. Once E. coli obtains this gene, it is able to survive in an environment that is ampicillin-rich. Lux plasmids were the second type used to provide bioluminescence in the cultures of E. coli grown. The lux plasmid contains genetic material which codes for luciferase, an enzyme which catalyzes bioluminescence, a light-emitting reaction. This is considered the marker where transformation efficiency can be analyzed through the light emissions.
Several techniques were implemented in this study to improve E. coli bacterias competency, the ability for a cell to uptake genetic material. These procedures were necessary considering the bacteria does not allow for transformation so efficiently in natural circumstances. Since it lacks the ability to do so, the uptake of material would be limited despite the preventative measures taken. To neutralize the negatively charged DNA in E. coli, the use of CaCl2 (sodium chloride), a positively charged solution, dissociates the calcium from chloride, which enters the cells and alters the charge. This process is known as electroporation. This causes the bacteria cells to swell and the calcium molecules help adjust the cell membrane to become

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