Microbial Genetics Lab

Part 1: Operon Simulator

Repressor CAP cAMP RNA polymerase mRNA β-galactosidase Glucose Lactose

Operon simulator readouts
Measure	Value

A teaching model with rounded numbers. Real cells also fine-tune the lac operon in other ways.

Template DNA Primer New DNA Taq polymerase Temperature

Denature 95 °C

Anneal 55 °C

Extend 72 °C

PCR readouts
Measure	Value

Species 1 (rods) Species 2 (cocci) Carries R plasmid Plasmid passing Antibiotic

Start with R plasmid 5%

Plasmid sharing (conjugation) medium

Population readouts
Measure	Value

A teaching model. Carrying a plasmid costs a little energy, so resistant cells grow slightly slower when there is no drug.