Eukaryotic genes can be engineered and expressed in bacterial cells. A common cell used in genetic research is Escherichia coli K-12. Explain what needs to be done in order to engineer a eukaryotic gene into a bacterial cell, and why it is even possible to express such a gene in a bacterial cell.
Things to consider (hints):
- The genetic code
- Differences between bacterial and eukaryotic transcription and mRNA (explain what you will have to change).
- Differences between bacterial and eukaryotic translation and ribosomes (explain what you will have to change).
- Creation of a plasmid vector with the gene of interest (hint: this involves restriction enzymes).
- Delivery of the gene to the bacterial cell (your choice of method) and screening for the genetically modified organism.
Optional, but worth points:
- Creation of logic gates and kill switches.
- Describe DBTL (Design, Build, Test, Learn) and its importance to synthetic biology.