Biotechnology Intro & GelElectrophoresis
What does…
•BIO- mean?
•TECHNOLOGY?
SO….
What is BIOtechnology Any Way????
•Manipulating living organisms using differenttypes of technology to produce more usefulqualities:
–Using better genes and traits
–Allows the best or desired traits to be expressed.
Research in Biotechnology
1.Help humans create crops that can be frost resistant
1.Use transgenic organisms to help medical researchers modelhuman physiology for testing
1.Help industry to create bacteria to break down pollutants intoharmless products – Like cleaning up OIL SPILLS!
1.Pharmaceutical companies use recombinant DNA to cheaplyproduce human hormones (insulin) and other proteins
1.Help solve crimes and determine family relationships
Gel Electrophoresis
•A method used to separate DNA orRNA by size to compare DNA data.
•Comparing the SIZE of DNAfragments (or pieces)
Also known as…
•A DNA Fingerprint
What can this be used for?
•Paternity Tests
–Who is the father?
•Familial Relationships
–Who is the mother?
–Who are the siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc.?
•Evolutionary Relationships
–How closely related are two organisms (humans & apes)?
•Crime Scene Investigations (Forensics)
–Who committed the crime?
GelElectrophoresis
Basic Steps..
1.Extract DNA sample
1.Cut DNA into smaller pieces using RestrictionEnzymes
1.Put the smaller DNA fragments into the Gel Tray
1.Use a Charge to separate the pieces of DNA
1.Analyze the size of the DNA fragments
Let’s Take a look…
•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSwlCk_Z02c&feature=related
What is the Purpose of GelElectrophoresis?
To separate and analyze DNA fragmentsaccording to their size & shape.
GelElectrophoresis
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel Electrophoresis
What is used to cut the DNA?
•In order to cut the DNA into fragments,restriction enzymes are used.
•These are specific enzymes (proteins) thatrecognize specific sequences of DNA and thencut it in half.
•Like the SCISSORS in the body
Which strands move further down thetray?
•DNA fragments move in the Gel due toopposite charges (DNA is negatively charged)
–The SMALL strands move further down the Gelthan the LARGER strands of DNA.
–Since they are larger and heavier, the LARGERstrands do not move as far down the Gel
Which strands are towards the top ofthe tray?
•Larger strands are towards the top of the traybecause they are larger and heavier
•They do not move as quickly down the traywhen the charge is added
DNA fingerprinting applications
Sample Problems
