Growth Hormone Cloning

This program maps the molecular techniques required to isolate, clone and express a foreign gene in a prokaryote model.

The session involves students cloning and expressing the Human Growth Hormone gene in bacteria. Concepts covered in this program include:
• PCR
• Restriction enzyme digest
• DNA ligase action
• Plasmids as vectors
• Bacterial promotors
• Ethical considerations of gene cloning
Students will be hands on through the majority of the session and will be guided in small groups by an experienced mentor.

Students will:

• Perform a restriction enzyme digest.
• Construct a recombinant plasmid.
• Follow a technique for bacterial transformation.
• Use gel electrophoresis equipment (3.5 hr version only).

Learning Intention:

To use molecular tools to transform bacteria with a foreign gene.

Success Criteria

• Demonstrate practical techniques related to gene transformation.
• Explain why a gene product can be expressed in a foreign organism and techniques and tools suitable for gene transformation (enzymes and plasmids).
• Relate techniques demonstrated to real life applications such as human insulin production.
• Evaluate ethical issues that arise from genetic engineering.

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