Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Thanks!

In DaY one of the procedures it says rehydrate bacteria, what does that necessarily mean?

To clear something up, the youtube video is not exactly what i will be doing correct?

I have also changed up my purpose, is this better than the previous one? :

The main purpose of this project is to synthesize proteins in a cheaper way, by doing it in the most efficient and cost-effective way, so it is important to know how the amount of plasmid effects transformation efficiency. Bacteria are transformed for numerous different reasons. Some of these reasons may include expression of medically useful recombinant proteins such as insulin for treating a disease or vaccines for prevention of disease. Other reasons could be expression of proteins that confer on bacteria the ability to survive in particular environments such as to "clean up" contaminated environments in bioremediation.

So will my project look like this http://www.phschool.com/science/biology ... ysis1.html?

The only difference of my project and that is i will have 1 more plate for the LB:AMP:ARA. And also in my project i will be using different amounts of plasmids. So another difference is that i will have ampicillin in all my plates. AM i correct?

Yes, all that sounds good. As for "rehydrating bacteria", that depends on where you're getting your bacterial stock. What I'm assuming they're meaning is to resuspend the bacteria in a bit of nutrient broth and then streaking it out on a plate. Are you going to be taking your bacteria from colonies already growing on a plate or in liquid culture, or are you taking them from a frozen stock?

connief wrote:Yes, all that sounds good. As for "rehydrating bacteria", that depends on where you're getting your bacterial stock. What I'm assuming they're meaning is to resuspend the bacteria in a bit of nutrient broth and then streaking it out on a plate. Are you going to be taking your bacteria from colonies already growing on a plate or in liquid culture, or are you taking them from a frozen stock?

I'm not sure, but i think i will be taking the bacteria from colonies already growing in a plate.

Well, if you are going to be doing these experiments in a university lab, then you can always ask people in the lab what the best way is to prep your bacteria for transformation as per the procedures for this project.

Alright, sounds good.

If i have any questions prior to thursday, i'll ask.

Good Night

I actually have one more question. Is this project perfect for my level as an 8th grader? Is it below, average, or above my level? I would like to hear your inputs.

I would also like help finding a data table, where i will plot and put all my data. Is there one already, or will i have to make one.?

Hi,

I think this project is good for your level. The most important thing is that you're interested in the question that you're asking and that you understand what the experiment is testing and what your results tell you. As for a data table, I would first gather all your data and then we can figure out what is the best way to present it. If you are working with people in a university lab, you can always ask them for advice on what is the best way to present your results as well.

Connie

Hello,

I started working on the project on friday!!

It's working out well. Today we plated the ecoli on the 2 plates, and now we're waiting for them to grow. We just put them in the incubator.