Genetic Modification

• Gel electrophoresis is used for the separation of fragments of DNA (or proteins).

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) can be used to make many copies of small amounts of DNA. (called amplification)

• DNA profiling uses PCR and gel electrophoresis to compare samples of DNA (eg. in paternity disputes)

• Genetic modification is the transfer of genes from one species to another.

• Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell.

• Many plant species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning.

• Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells. or by using differentiated cells in adults.

• The cloned sheep, Dolly can be used as an example of the cloning method of somatic-cell nuclear transfer.

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Use images of DNA profiling to solve paternity disputes and other forensic examples.

• Explain that Gene transfer using plasmids in bacteria makes use of the enzymes; restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase.

• Assess the potential risks and benefits of GMO crops, including data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.

• Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem-cuttings of a plant which easily produces roots in soil.