Download Modeling Genetic Engineering

Modeling Genetic Engineering
Name__________________
Date________
Period____
Introduction: Scientists use restriction enzymes to make recombinant DNA.
Restriction enzymes cut the DNA at certain sites. Genes are then placed into plasmids,
that are put into bacteria. Plasmids are circular pieces of DNA, found in bacteria. The
plasmids transform the bacteria to produce the new gene product. In this lab, you will
model this genetic engineering process.
Standards:
 BI5. c. Students know how genetic engineering (biotechnology) is used to
produce novel biomedical and agricultural products.
 BI. 5.e.* Students know how exogenous DNA can be inserted into bacterial
cells to alter their genetic makeup and support expression of new protein
products.
Procedure:
1.) Cut out the Plasmid DNA and human factor VIII. genes from the sheet titled
“DNA Sequence Datasheet”.
2.) Color the Plasmid DNA yellow and the human factor VIII genes red.
3.) Using a small piece of tape attach the Plasmid DNA sequences together at each
end where indicated (1-1, 2-2, 3-3). This should give the plasmid a circular
shape.
4.) Using a small piece of tape attach the human factor VIII genes together in a
straight line.
5.) Locate the section on the Plasmid DNA (Plasmid 3-1) and human factor VIII.(2nd
one) gene that the restriction enzyme EcoRI(GAATTC or CTTAAG)
could “cut” both DNA sequences. Circle this DNA sequence on both the Plasmid
DNA and human factor VIII.
6.) Check with your instructor before making any cuts! You will be removing a
small sequence of the Plasmid DNA and the human factor VIII. gene sequence.
These removed pieces will become complementary strands.
7.) Cut the Plasmid DNA and human factor VIII gene at the correct restriction site
you identified above. On the human factor VIII. gene cut out the sequence
GAATTA so you are making a puzzle piece. On the Plasmid DNA cut out
the sequence CTTAAG so that you are making the other half of the puzzle
piece.
8.) After removing the correct DNA sequences tape the pieces of the human factor
VIII gene into the Plasmid DNA using the tape. You now have created a
recombinant DNA molecule.
Follow-Up Questions:
1.) What is the role of restriction enzymes in creating a recombinant DNA molecule?
2.) Why would using a different restriction enzyme not have produced the same
results? (Hint-what do restriction enzymes do?)
3.) Human factor gene VIII is a gene used for producing the proteins for proper blood
clotting. How would creating a recombinant DNA molecule that could produce
this protein help someone who has hemophilia(a blood clotting disorder)?