Biotechnology Flashcards
Describe the process of making recombinant DNA.
-Isolation; A restriction enzyme recognises a specific target sequence and cuts DNA into two pieces at that location (leaving either sticky or blunt ends)
-cutting of DNA; With the same restriction enzyme a cut is made in a plasmid at the specific recognition site.
-Insertion of DNA fragment; The gene of interest is inserted into the plasmid vector and the gaps in the backbone sealed with with DNA lipase.
-Bacteria transformation; Recombinant DNA is introduced into the bacterial cell and it will transform to be altered with the new gene.
What is recombinant DNA?
When DNA from two different sources is joined together the resulting molecule is called recombinant DNA.
What are the applications of DNA profiling?
-Identify the probable origin of a body fluid sample associated with a crime or crime scene.
-Reveal family relationships.
-Identify disaster victims, for example, ESR scientists travelled to Thailand to help identify victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami
What are the applications of DNA sequencing?
-Homologous DNA sequences from different organisms can be compared for evolutionary analysis between species or populations.
-Reveal changes in a gene that may cause a disease.
-Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and epidemiology studies.
What is the purpose of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis?
To amplify a small amount of DNA into a larger amount quickly providing a suitable amount of DNA for any intended investigation.
