Engineer a glowing microbe

Students engineer a paper microbe by inserting a real jellyfish glow gene, then design a second job for it, thereby learning how moving a gene gives a cell a new ability. Optional UV-light glow reveal; allergy- and budget-friendly.

What students do

• Insert a real jellyfish glow gene (GFP) into a paper microbe
• Give the microbe a second job: eat plastic, sense arsenic, or make medicine?
• Reveal the glow under a UV light (optional)

What you'll need

A paper microbe template, GFP gene strips, glow markers or stickers, and glue; an optional UV flashlight. About $10-15 a class.

Full quantities and costs are in the materials & cost sheet.

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