Transformation of Bacteria Through the Assimilation of DNA
The Principles of Molecular Biology
Molecular biology and biotechnology are relatively new fields in biology. Since Stan Cohen and Herb Boyer, in the early 70's, transplanted a gene for antibiotic resistance to a bacterium from a frog the field has started a revolution in science. Soon scientists advanced into using this technology to mass produce drugs by inserting antiviral genes into bacteria and then letting the bacteria reproduce. The most recent advancement is the ability to change an organisms DNA and genetic fate. Scientists had to overcome the problem of getting DNA into the bacteria before they could mass reproduce whatever gene they were wanting. They developed the method of isolating the DNA to overcome their problem. They isolated DNA by exposing the bacteria cells to harsh conditions: p.h., high temperatures, and harsh chemicals. The high temperatures and harsh chemicals disrupt the bacteria molecules by breaking hydrogen bonds apart in the DNA. The DNA was then isolated from the cells and scientists could insert whatever gene or DNA strand they were trying to produce. The DNA is inserted into the bacteria by a vector. One of the common vectors are plasmids which are circular pieces of DNA that are made up of over 1,000 base pairs. Plasmids require a gene that gives it resistance to enzymes of the bacteria to remain in the host. After the DNA is inserted into the bacteria, a transformation takes place within the cell. External DNA is assimilated into internal DNA which changes the genotype and phenotype of the bacteria, and a new strain of bacteria is produced. The most common DNA that is used in molecular biology is E. Coli because of its rapidly growing populations. Since E. Coli reproduces so quickly and forms huge populations, transformations can easily be spotted.