escherichia coli k-12 suppliers

E. coli K-12 Suppliers A Comprehensive Guide

Escherichia coli K-12, commonly referred to as E. coli K-12, is a strain of the bacterium E. coli that is extensively used in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. This strain is genetically modified to enhance its utility for various research applications. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of E. coli K-12, its applications, and the suppliers that provide this essential microbial resource to researchers and industry professionals.

Characteristics of E. coli K-12

E. coli K-12 is a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli, which is inherently safe for laboratory use. It serves as a workhorse for recombinant DNA technology because of its rapid growth, ease of manipulation, and ability to take up plasmids, which are small, circular DNA molecules. E. coli K-12 has several genetic modifications that improve its performance in the lab. For example, certain derivatives of this strain have been engineered to enhance plasmid stability, increase protein expression, and provide resistance to many antibiotics.

This strain is an ideal host for cloning and expressing genes from a variety of organisms, making it invaluable in research focused on gene function, protein production, and synthetic biology. Researchers often utilize E. coli K-12 in experiments involving gene splicing, where foreign DNA can be inserted into a vector and transformed into the bacterium, allowing for the amplification of specific genes.

Applications in Research and Industry

The applications of E. coli K-12 are diverse, spanning various fields including microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. In academic and industrial laboratories, this bacterium is used for the production of recombinant proteins, including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. These proteins have critical applications in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and research.

Furthermore, E. coli K-12 serves as a model organism in studies of bacterial physiology, genetics, and biochemistry. Scientists utilize it to understand fundamental biological processes and to develop new techniques. The easy genetic manipulation of E. coli K-12 allows researchers to create mutants with specific traits, facilitating the investigation of gene functions and interactions.

In synthetic biology, E. coli K-12 is employed to construct synthetic circuits, enabling the design of cells with novel functionalities. This manipulation can lead to the development of biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and various bioproducts, showcasing the versatility of this organism.

Suppliers of E. coli K-12

Given the importance of E. coli K-12 in scientific research and industry, a variety of suppliers provide this strain in different forms. These suppliers typically offer not only the bacteria itself but also various culture media and necessary growth supplements. Some of the leading suppliers include

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific They provide a range of E. coli strains, including competent E. coli K-12 variants that are ready for transformation and cloning applications.

2. New England Biolabs (NEB) NEB is known for its quality molecular biology reagents and offers E. coli K-12 strains for cloning, expression, and other applications.

3. Sigma-Aldrich A subsidiary of Merck, Sigma-Aldrich supplies various E. coli strains, culture media, and kits for genetic manipulation.

4. ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) As a global leader in biological resource preservation, ATCC provides authentic E. coli K-12 cultures along with detailed strain information.

5. Bio-Rad Laboratories They offer E. coli strains and kits specifically designed for molecular biology research, ensuring user-friendly protocols and reliable results.

In conclusion, E. coli K-12 is a fundamental tool in modern laboratories, vital for advancing our understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. With a myriad of suppliers offering high-quality strains and related materials, researchers have ample resources to explore the vast potential of this versatile microorganism. Whether for academic research or industrial applications, E. coli K-12 remains at the forefront of scientific innovation.