Experiment 3: Promoter Activation Flashcards
Define Transcription Factors
Proteins that control genes; they bind to DNA near the beginning of a gene (called an upstream)
Define Promoters
Promoters are a DNA sequence; it’s where RNA Polymerase binds to; they regulate the functionality and the expression of genes.
When a transcription factor is present in a gene, what happens?
It prevents the binding of RNA Polymerase. If a small molecule (like a sugar) binds to the transcription factor, the TF comes off of the gene and allows RNA Polymerase to bind to the promoter and begin transcription.
Define Constitutive Promoters
Promoters that are always on.
Define Conditional Promoters
Promoters that are activated or turned on as long as a certain condition is met; could be a presence of a hormone or sugar.
What is GFP?
Green Fluorescent Protein
Why is GFP important for certain scientific studies?
Because it allows for genes to be visualized without damaging the tissue.
What are the sugars included in this lab?
Arabinose-Galactose-Lactose AGL
Define Transformation
Transformation is when any DNA is taken from one organism and placed into another organism.
Define Plasmid
Small circular DNA.
Define Transformants
The cells that only take up a plasmid.
What are the two genes present in the pGlo plasmid?
Ampicillin Resistance (AMP) and GFP
The promoter for AMP is constitutive and the promoter for GFP is conditional
_____ will divide while all other cells will die.
Transformants
What does it mean for a cell to be competent?
The ability of a cell to take up extracellular DNA from its environment.
How are the plasmids in this experiment made competent?
The plasmids are mixed with bacterial cells treated with calcium chloride.
