Explain the principle of pGLO bacterial transformation.

The pGLO bacterial transformation experiment involves introducing a plasmid (pGLO) into E. coli bacteria. The pGLO plasmid contains the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP), which causes the bacteria to glow green under UV light when expressed. The plasmid also carries a gene for ampicillin resistance. The transformation process is typically done by making the bacteria “competent” (able to take up the plasmid DNA) through chemical treatment or electroporation. If the transformation is successful, the bacteria will grow on selective media (like ampicillin-containing plates) and exhibit fluorescence under UV light.