Biotech

Recombinant DNA- a method used to make copies of a particular gene

• A new DNA is created from joining of a vector (cut DNA) to a DNA fragment

• Bacterial plasmids are often used as vectors

  • First, the bacterial plasmid is cut by a restriction enzyme. The gene of interest is also cut by the same enzyme to make a DNA fragment. Then the two are joined at their sticky ends. Then they are sealed by a DNA ligase.

• The transformed cells will have the recombinant DNA and so will its’ offspring

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• A method used used to make copies of a specific DNA segment

  • Denaturation- DNA is split into 2 strands

  • Annealing/hybridization- DNA primer is added

  • Extension- DNA polymerase and DNA nucleotides are added to copy the DNA

Gel Electrophoresis

• A method used to separate DNA fragments by size

• DNA is out into a well on one end of a gel and an electric current runs through it

• DNA fragments move towards the positively charged end due to its negative charge