Lab Biology Final 
Transformation Efficiency is Dependent Upon Plasmid
Grant Zarrinmakan, Berkley Kruschke, Erika Lawrence. Wed/Fri, D-Block, 12-January-2015
Introduction Transformation is the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake of exogenous DNA from its surroundings. By doing this lab, we will answer the essential question: What influences transformation efficiency? Although there are many possible influences, our hypothesis is that plasmid has a positive influence. To test this hypothesis, we will set up an experiment in which we predict that if plasmid is present, then the transformation efficiency will increase.
Results Transformation Efficiency Data Table
+
plasmid
-
plasmid
Trials
# of colonies
Transformation Efficiency
(colonies/ng)
# of colonies
Transformation Efficiency
(colonies/ng)
1
368
18.768
0
0
2
368
18.768
0
0
3
960
48.960
0
0
Average
X
28.832
X
0
SD
(Displayed on Graph)
17.43136
0
To set up a way to measure the transformation efficiency, we made a control group consisting of E. Coli, Agar, LB and Ampicillin and we expect the transformation efficiency to be zero because of the absence of a plasmid. The experimental group is the same as the control group except the plasmid is included. Thus, the only difference between the control and the experimental group is the presence of plasmid. The transformation efficiency was calculated in order to determine the impact the plasmid has on transformation by dividing the total number of colonies growing on the agar plate by the amount of DNA spread on the LB/amp plate (in ng).
Discussion Our conclusion is that the inclusion of the plasmid affects transformation efficiency, as predicted, which supports our hypothesis that plasmid has a positive influence. We can defend this conclusion by referring to the figure, which shows a large difference between the amount of colonies formed in the experimental group (with plasmid) and the control group (without plasmid). We would be more
Grant Zarrinmakan, Berkley Kruschke, Erika Lawrence. Wed/Fri, D-Block, 12-January-2015
Introduction Transformation is the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake of exogenous DNA from its surroundings. By doing this lab, we will answer the essential question: What influences transformation efficiency? Although there are many possible influences, our hypothesis is that plasmid has a positive influence. To test this hypothesis, we will set up an experiment in which we predict that if plasmid is present, then the transformation efficiency will increase.
Results Transformation Efficiency Data Table
+
plasmid
-
plasmid
Trials
# of colonies
Transformation Efficiency
(colonies/ng)
# of colonies
Transformation Efficiency
(colonies/ng)
1
368
18.768
0
0
2
368
18.768
0
0
3
960
48.960
0
0
Average
X
28.832
X
0
SD
(Displayed on Graph)
17.43136
0
To set up a way to measure the transformation efficiency, we made a control group consisting of E. Coli, Agar, LB and Ampicillin and we expect the transformation efficiency to be zero because of the absence of a plasmid. The experimental group is the same as the control group except the plasmid is included. Thus, the only difference between the control and the experimental group is the presence of plasmid. The transformation efficiency was calculated in order to determine the impact the plasmid has on transformation by dividing the total number of colonies growing on the agar plate by the amount of DNA spread on the LB/amp plate (in ng).
Discussion Our conclusion is that the inclusion of the plasmid affects transformation efficiency, as predicted, which supports our hypothesis that plasmid has a positive influence. We can defend this conclusion by referring to the figure, which shows a large difference between the amount of colonies formed in the experimental group (with plasmid) and the control group (without plasmid). We would be more