Category: Microbiology Lab Notes

Preparation of 2 X YT Medium

The 2 x YT medium, also known as a 2 x TY medium, is a rich medium. It is recommended for the growth and propagation of E. coli infected with the single strand filamentous bacteriophage M13. It can be prepared by dissolving 16 g tryptone, 10 g yeast extract, and 5 g Sodium chloride (NaCl) in water to a final volume of 1000 ml.

Growing Escherichia coli for Plasmid Isolation

Amplification of plasmid is desirable for many applications including gene cloning, DNA sequencing, transfection, and probe preparation. The fastest and routinely used method to amplify plasmid is to introduce plasmid in an appropriate strain of E. coli e.g., DH5α (the process is called transformation), grow them to a suitable culture volume, and finally, extract plasmid from them (the process called plasmid isolation).