What is pGLO transformation?
First you have to understand what genetic transformation is. Genetic transformation literally means change caused by genes and it involves inserting genes into an organism in order to change their phenotype. Transformation can also occur in nature when a bacterial cell accepts small fragments of DNA from the surrounding environment. These soluble DNA fragments are released from lysed cells. E. coli bacteria can be used in pGLO transformation. You can transform E. coli bacteria with a gene that codes for Green Flourescent Protein (GFP). The original source of this gene is the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. GFP causes the jellyfish to glow in the dark. A plasmid serves as the vehicle to move the GFP gene into the bacteria. The plasmid used is called the pGLO plasmid, which has been genetically engineered. The pGLO plasmid carries the GFP gene. When GFP is produced, the transformed bacterial colonies will glow bright green under UV light.
