In this lab, you are learning about a procedure known as genetic transformation. Recall that a gene is a piece of DNA that codes for a protein. This protein gives an organism a particular trait. Genetic transformation literally means a change caused by genes and involves the insertion of a gene into an organism to change the organism's trait. In the next quiz, you will observe the transformation of bacteria with a gene that codes for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). The source of this gene is DNA from the bioluminescent jellyfish, Aequorea victoria. Green Fluorescent Protein causes the jellyfish to fluoresce ("glow in the dark"). Following the transformation procedure, the bacteria express their newly acquired jellyfish gene by producing the fluorescent protein, which causes them to glow a brilliant green color under ultraviolet light.
Genetic transformation requires the insertion of new DNA into cells. Frequently, the genes are moved from one organism to another with a bacterial plasmid. Plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria in addition to the "chromosomal DNA". Plasmid DNA usually contains genes for one or more traits that may be beneficial to bacterial survival. In nature, bacteria can transfer plasmids back and forth, allowing them to share these beneficial genes. This natural mechanism allows bacteria to adapt to new environments. The spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is due to the transmission of plasmids.
Which of the following statements are true?
a.) We will learn about the transformation of jellyfish.
b.) Plasmids naturally occur in bacteria.
c.) GFP naturally occurs in bioluminescent E. coli.
d.) All of the answers provided are correct.