Biotechnology 101 Quiz

Biotechnology 101

• Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their components to develop or improve technologies.

DNA Extraction

• Isolates DNA from cells.
• Detergent (soap) breaks cell membranes.
• Salt stabilizes DNA.
• Alcohol purifies DNA, separating it from other cellular components.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Used to amplify (copy) small DNA segments.
• Heating denatures (separates) DNA strands.
• Primers specify the region to be amplified.
• Taq polymerase enzyme is used to synthesize new DNA strands.
• PCR allows scientists to make millions of copies of a target sequence from a small initial amount of DNA.

Restriction Enzymes

• Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.
• These sequences can be specific to each type of restriction enzyme and are known as restriction sites.
• Often used by bacteria for defense.
• Different DNA will be cut into different sized pieces.

Gel Electrophoresis

• Separates DNA fragments based on size and charge.
• Smaller fragments move faster through the gel matrix.
• Results in a pattern of bands of different sizes, corresponding to different sized fragments.
• Patterns of banding can display relatedness.

Gel Electrophoresis for DNA Fingerprinting

• Creates a DNA profile.
• Uses fragments of varying sizes from specific genes in human DNA.
• Small sections of DNA are unique and vary greatly.
• Applications; crime scene investigations, biological relationships (e.g., paternity).
• Can be used to determine if two samples DNA are identical.

Who did it?

• Example of gel electrophoresis application to criminal investigation.
• Samples are compared to determine the suspect to the crime scene.

Sexaul Assault Case

• Shows how DNA can identify suspects.
• Used in biological samples, such as blood, hair and semen to identify the correct suspect.

Familial Relationships

• Shows how gel electrophoresis could identify relationships in a family.

DNA Sequencing

• Determines the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.
• Uses fluorescent labeled nucleotides.
• Sequencing machines detect the labeled bases.
• The Human Genome Project mapped locations of genes.

Genetic Engineering

• Modifies DNA through various technologies.
• Clipping, swapping, and piecing DNA creates recombinant DNA.
• DNA ligase joins the pieces together.
• Used for repairs in cells and DNA replication.

Genetically Engineered Organisms

• Organisms with rearranged DNA, combining sequences from two or more species.

Genetic Engineering Examples

• Displays various gene manipulations and results.
• Includes plant and animal examples.

GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)

• A protein that emits a green fluorescent light.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

• Genetically modified bacteria, animals, and plants.
• GMO bacteria's benefits: produce purified hormones like Insulin.
• GMO animal benefits: improved food supply, faster growth rates in animals.
• GMO plant benefits: resistance to herbicides, disease resistance.

CRISPR Technology

• A modern technique to cut and edit DNA directly.
• Uses CRISPR-Cas9 (molecular scissors) to cut DNA.

Cloning

• Reproductive cloning: producing a genetically identical organism.
• Therapeutic cloning: creating stem cells for research and potential treatment.

Dolly

• Example of mammal reproductive cloning.
• A famous cloned sheep.

Snuppy

• Example of cloning a dog.

CC

• Example of cloning a cat.