Plasmid DNA Preparations

THIS IS A BRAND NAME ONLY REQUIREMENT

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) requires unique plasmid DNA preparations capable of directing custom gene expression. A “plasmid” is a circular piece of DNA that will replicate inside of living cells. The number of plasmids is greatly increased inside of cells, to an amount required for use in experiments. A “plasmid DNA preparation” is the DNA isolated and purified from cells after several rounds of plasmid replication. The plasmid preparations are the products USAMRICD will use in experiments. Each plasmid preparation will be distinguished by having one of 40 different genes inserted into the plasmid DNA. The particular type of plasmid to be used is referred to as an “expression vector”. This means that the protein product of the gene insert is “expressed” (i.e., produced) in experiments when the plasmid is transferred to a cell type of interest.

SEE DETAILS  IN ATTACHED TWO DOCUMENTS