Transformation/Cloning Bacteria Experiments require controls to provide a baseli

Question

Transformation/Cloning Bacteria

Experiments require controls to provide a baseline to compare with the experimental results. They also provide a means to check that the system is behaving as expected from previous knowledge, experience, and observation. The control is exposed to all conditions of the experiment except the experimental variable. Controls are needed to eliminate alternate explanations of experimental results. The controls provide assurance that the experimental results are valid.

In this experiment, we will be transforming bacteria (E. coli) using plasmid DNA (pUC 8) resulting in a functional lac Z gene. There will be a Ligation plate and a Control plate.

Briefly, identify and explain the purpose of the control used in this experiment.

Explanation / Answer

In this case the same competent cells used for transformation with puc 8 plasmid can be grown on a plate without the plasmid being inserted. This serves as a control plate for the ligation plate. This control serves as a measure of the viability of the competent cells, and whether they have not been damaged by manipulations.

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