Download Biotechnology and Gel Electrophoresis

Biotechnology
…and Gel Electrophoresis
Biotechnology
• Definition: The use of biological processes,
organisms, or systems to manufacture
products intended to improve the quality of
human life.
• Genetic engineering makes it possible to
transfer DNA sequences from one organism to
another
• REMEMBER- DNA is universal
• A gene taken from one species can be
replicated in another species.
Recombinant DNA
• Recombinant DNA contains DNA from 2 or more
different sources.
• Vector: something used to transfer DNA from one
organism to another
– Microinjection
– Gene Gun
– Virus
– Bacteria Plasmid (Most
important for this unit)
• A plasmid is a circular
piece of DNA that exists
apart from the chromosome
and replicates independently
of it.
Making recombinant DNA
• The plasmid is
removed and cut in
one location by a
restriction enzyme
(protein that cuts
DNA). A different
piece of DNA can then
be put in the plasmid.
Ligase (enzyme) sticks
the DNA together.
The new DNA is
placed back in the
bacteria to replicate
the information. The
bacteria is now
considered
transgenetic.
DNA Fingerprinting
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In DNA Fingerprinting, the DNA of an organism is
cut up into fragments using restriction enzymes
producing a large number of fragments of DNA
Because no two individuals have identical DNA, no
two individuals will have the same length fragments
This technique allows us to identify families
because their gel samples will look similar due to
their similar DNA.
On the next page, Wells A, B, and C have similar gel
samples meaning they are related.
Gel Electrophoresis
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Start
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate
the DNA fragments according to their size
DNA fragments are placed in wells on a sheet of
agarose gel
Gel is slightly porous and allows fragments to move
through the gel at a rate relative to their size
Finish
Shortest
DNA
Fragments
longest
DNA
Fragments
Well 