Biotechnology

Concepts to know and study

State the function of PCR. “Amplifies genes”

Outline the process of PCR. Lab equipment that produces many copies of small specific sequence of DNA in the lab.

State the use of gel electrophoresis.

separated DNA fragments (can be genes OR non coding STR strands) according to size

Fragments are created using a restriction enzyme

Describe how gel electrophoresis works.

DNA fragment samples are placed in wells of agarose gel

have negative charge

electricity applied

DNA fragments move toward positive end of gel

smallest fragments travel farthest

all fragments appear as bands in the gel

Be able to determine the number of pieces of DNA after it is cut by a restriction enzyme

List the 3 biotechnology lab procedures that require both PCR and gel electrophoresis.

DNA sequencing

DNA profiling

Gene Cloning / Genetic engineering

Describe DNA profiling.

DNA profiling: individuals identified using their DNA profiles

PCR makes copies of DNA sample

Restriction enzymes cut STR fragments

gel electrophoresis separates fragments

analyzed

State 2 procedures that are needed for the preparation of a DNA profile. PCR and Gel electrophoresis

Describe STRs.

STR: long repetitive sequences of DNA

not genes (exons)

noncoding sequences unique to individuals

individuals have different amounts of the repeating bases

State the 2 uses of DNA profiling.

paternity testing (comparing DNA of offspring against potential fathers)

forensic investigations (identifying suspects or victims from crime-scene DNA)

Be able to read gels to determine paternity and suspect identification

AHL Material (HL class only)

State the type of organism the CRISPR enzyme comes from. bacteria

Describe the original function of CRISPR Cas nucleases in bacteria. break down viral genetic material

Describe the use of knockout genes. gene therapy, agriculture, disease modeling, and gene editing in microorganisms