Summary
Areas of Science
Difficulty
Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of molecular biology and access to a laboratory where bacteria can be grown are required for this project.
Material Availability
The kit required for this project can only be purchased through a school or educational business.
Cost
High ($100 - $150)
Safety
Adult supervision is required in the laboratory facility. Use sterile technique. Read the Microorganisms Safety Guide before starting any experiments.
Credits
*Note:
For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.
If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.
If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.
Abstract
What is expression cloning and how is it used in the biotechnology industry? How are plasmids constructed for use in a bacterial expression system? You can investigate these questions and more using bacterial expression kits meant for high school classes. You will need a laboratory space equipped to grow bacteria and carry out simple molecular biology. A kit with plasmids and bacterial cells to transform are also needed. Here are two possibilities:
- BioBuilder What a Colorful World Kit from Carolina: this kit lets you explore how different pigments can be produced by bacteria. With two different strains of E. coli you can explore some of the choices scientists have to make when choosing where and how to express the DNA they engineer and the repercussions of those choices.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Transformation Kit from Carolina: this kit has supplies needed to make bacteria express green fluorescent protein (GFP), as shown in Figure 1. This kit is a bit simpler to use and has fewer combinations to explore.
Figure 1. Using biotechnology techniques like expression cloning, bacteria can be engineered to express many different proteins like the green florescent protein, GFP, which make these bacteria glow green. (Photo courtesy of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.)
Ask an Expert
Do you have specific questions about your science project? Our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.
Global Connections
The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Careers
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Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi) are the most common life-forms on Earth. They help us digest nutrients; make foods like yogurt, bread, and olives; and create antibiotics. Some microbes also cause diseases. Microbiologists study the growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of microorganisms to promote health, industry, and a basic understanding of cellular functions.
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What do the sequencing of the human genome, the annual production of millions of units of life-saving vaccines, and the creation of new drought-tolerant rice varieties have in common? They were all accomplished through the hard work of biological technicians. Scientists may come up with the overarching plans, but the day-to-day labor behind biotechnology advances is often the work of skilled biological technicians.
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Related Links
- Science Fair Project Guide
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Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"Expression Cloning." Science Buddies,
20 Nov. 2020,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p024/biotechnology-techniques/expression-cloning.
Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2020, November 20).
Expression Cloning.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p024/biotechnology-techniques/expression-cloning
Last edit date: 2020-11-20
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