Test Problem Set:

1. Generate a genetic system of:

a) inactivation
b) transfer 

of any E. coli. gene selected by Dr. Roberts, and using transduction

Imagine Dr. Roberts telling you: “Student, I need to inactive gene X of E. coli using transduction” or “I need to transfer the gene X from this E. coli to another, by transduction”
2. Generate a genetic system for gram-positive that (based on the genetic material transference mechanisms):

a. That allow us to know that the bacterial community is conducting quorum sensing.

b. That allows that during the logarithmic phase, the bacteria eliminates the bacteria A (who is sensitive to Chloramphenicol); and during the stationary phase, the bacteria eliminates the bacteria B (who is sensitive to Tetracycline).

3. A bacteria posses a plasmid with: resistance gene to chloramphenicol (cat), an indispensable gene for starch degradation (amiA), and another gene for lactose degradation (lac Z). For this bacteria, the genetic transference systems and IS (insertion sequences) are unknown. Design and demonstrate, making sure to include specific verification systems:

a. A bacteria able to transfer lacZ gene via conjugation

b. Development of bacteriophages capable of transferring amiA gene or a portion of amiA gene via transduction

4. Design an experiment that allows me to determine if a pair of genes or isolated DNA fragments, encodes for the following (bioinformatics, Southern, antibodies or probes can’t be used):

a. ClpC vs ?dgal

b. degS vs TraI

5. Develop and present an ideal plasmid that could be used for Dr. Smith, Dr. Rose and Dr. Spencer investigations. Remember to use plassmapper (free program to create the image/figure of the plasmid).