Question

(b) To genetically engineer the original cell so that it would glow, the scientists had to obtain a suitable

gene.
(i) Describe the stages that a scientist would complete to obtain this gene.

Answer 1

Answer: See Below

Step-by-step explanation:

1. The scientist would need to identify the gene for a protein that would make it glow. For example Aequorea victoria, the jellyfish that produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) is the most common type of fluorescent tag use in biotechnology. This would be done by completing genetic sequencing to identify the gene of interest from the jellyfish cell.

2. The gene could then be amplified through PCR. Assuming this is a bacterial cell, a vector such as pUC19 could be used. The vector and the PCR amplified product would have to be digested. A double digest is recommended to ensure the gene inserts in the proper conformation.

3. Heat shock the plasmid into the cell and proceed on to Blue/White screening to identify which cells contain the gene of interest. You can then isolate and grow the culture containing the GFP gene and induce with IPTG to produce the protein that would make it glow.

Alternatively you could buy a pre-made plasmid from AddGene containing the GFP gene for 75$, complete a miniprep on the cells and heatshock. Either way works.