Biotechnology

Question 1

What is biotechnology?

Answer 1

Biotechnology is the use of micro-organisms and their biological processes for human benefit. More recently, it involves the manipulation of micro-organisms to fulfil a human demand or need.

Question 2

Steps in Polymerase Chain Reaction

Answer 2

1) the solution is heated to 95°C for a short time
2) the strand of DNA being used, unwinds (denatures) to produce two single strands of DNA
3) each strand can be used as a template to make a new strand
4) add DNA polymerase, all four nucleotides and excess quantities of primers
5) cool the mixture (40°C) so the primers anneal (attach) to the strands of DNA at either end of the section to be replicated
6) by providing excess quantities of primers, it ensures the DNA binds to the primers rather than to the other stand of DNA
7) primers bind to the DNA
8) heat the solution (72°C) and DNA polymerase attaches the nucleotides in an order complementary to the original strand of DNA, from the primer
9) the strand of DNA is replicated so there are now two strands of identical DNA
10) heat again to start the cycle again
11) repeat the cycle 20-30 times
12) or until the quantity required is reached