Microbiology Techniques 102: Exploring pGLO Transformation

​Learn how to genetically modify bacteria using one of the most essential tools in biotechnology: transformation! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll introduce a plasmid into E. coli cells to give them new abilities—like antibiotic resistance and fluorescing green under UV light. We’ll cover how to make bacteria chemically competent, perform a heat-shock transformation, and plate your cells to see which colonies successfully took up the DNA.

​This beginner-friendly class will walk you through:

• ​What plasmids are and how they work

• ​Preparing competent cells (Inoue method)

• ​Heat-shock transformation technique

• ​Plating on selective media

• ​Interpreting your results (colonies, no colonies, glowing colonies!)

​Whether you’re new to genetic engineering or just want to refresh your skills, this workshop will give you practical experience in molecular biology with plenty of time for questions and troubleshooting.