An Illustration showing how bacteria can be transformed using recombinant plasmids.

FIGURE 15–10 Plasmid DNA Transformation Scientists can insert a piece of DNA into a plasmid if both the plasmid and the target DNA have been cut by the same restriction enzymes to create sticky ends. With this method, bacteria can be used to produce human growth hormone. First, a human gene is inserted into bacterial DNA. Then, the new combination of genes is returned to a bacterial cell, which replicates the recombinant DNA over and over again. Infer Why might scientists want to copy the gene for human growth hormone?

d

Figure 15–10 shows how bacteria can be transformed using recombinant plasmids. First, the DNA being used for transformation is joined to a plasmid. The plasmid DNA contains a signal for replication, helping to ensure that if the DNA does get inside a bacterial cell, it will be replicated. In addition, the plasmid also has a genetic marker, such as a gene for antibiotic resistance. A genetic marker is a gene that makes it possible to distinguish bacteria that carry the plasmid from those that don't. Using genetic markers, researchers can mix recombinant plasmids with a culture of bacteria, add enough DNA to transform just one cell in a million, and still locate that one cell. After transformation, the culture is treated with an antibiotic. Only those rare cells that have been transformed survive, because only they carry the resistance gene.

In Your Notebook Write a summary of the process of plasmid DNA transformation.

Quick Lab
GUIDED INQUIRY

Inserting Genetic Markers

  1. Write a random DNA sequence on a long strip of paper to represent an organism's genome.

  1. Have your partner write a short DNA sequence on a short strip of paper to represent a marker gene.

  1. Using the chart your teacher gives you, work with your partner to figure out how to insert the marker gene into the genome.

    Analyze and Conclude

  1. Apply Concepts Which restriction enzyme did you use? Why?

  2. Use Models What kind of molecule did you and your partner develop?

End ofPage 425

Table of Contents

Miller & Levine Biology
About the Authors
Changing the World of Biology Education
Contents
Diversity of Life: A Visual Guide DOL•1–DOL•64
Labs and Activities
Features
UNIT 1 The Nature of Life
1 The Science of Biology
2 The Chemistry of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 2 Ecology
3 The Biosphere
4 Ecosystems and Communities
5 Populations
6 Humans in the Biosphere
Unit Project
UNIT 3 Cells
7 Cell Structure and Function
8 Photosynthesis
9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
10 Cell Growth and Division
Unit Project
UNIT 4 Genetics
11 Introduction to Genetics
12 DNA
13 RNA and Protein Synthesis
14 Human Heredity
15 Genetic Engineering
Unit Project
UNIT 5 Evolution
16 Darwin's Theory of Evolution
17 Evolution of Populations
18 Classification
19 History of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 6 From Microorganisms to Plants
20 Viruses and Prokaryotes
21 Protists and Fungi
22 Introduction to Plants
23 Plant Structure and Function
24 Plant Reproduction and Response
Unit Project
UNIT 7 Animals
25 Introduction to Animals
26 Animal Evolution and Diversity
27 Animal Systems I
28 Animal Systems II
29 Animal Behavior
Unit Project
UNIT 8 The Human Body
30 Digestive and Excretory Systems
31 Nervous System
32 Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
33 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
34 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
35 Immune System and Disease
Unit Project
A Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
THE TREE OF LIFE
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Appendices
Appendix A Science Skills
Appendix B Lab Skills
Appendix C Technology & Design
Appendix D Math Skills
Appendix E Periodic Table
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q, R
S
T
U
V
W
X, Y, Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Credits
Go to previous page Go to next page