DNA Analysis and Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a broad term that involves many different types of technology. In some cases it involves analyzing DNA (simply _____ for its presence or maybe the presence of certain _____ ) and in others it involves manipulating the DNA (_____ it, copying it, or _____ it into other organisms).

How is DNA studied? In many cases, first the DNA has to be _____ from a cell. This is known as DNA _____. Nucleated cells (cells with a nucleus) are subjected to a chemical treatment. This is usually a mild _____ that ruptures the cell, releasing the DNA.

Since all of the DNA in a human cell would extend to 6 feet in length, it has to be chemically _____ into more manageable lengths. Scissors are not used for this process, instead chemicals known as _____ _____ are used. Restriction enzymes are very specific compounds that cut the DNA at predetermined locations.

Once the DNA is cut, many things may be done. In forensics investigations, the DNA is separated and analyzed for _____. This performed with a process called _____, _____ electrophoresis. The DNA fragments are placed on a gel and then an electric current is passed through. The smaller fragments travel _____ than the larger fragments and this produces a pattern on the gel. Everyone's DNA will produce different _____ This is called a _____ _____.

Biotechnology involves analyzing DNA to look for certain genes or manipulating DNA by cutting, copying, or inserting it into organisms.

Studying DNA

DNA must be removed from a cell and this process is known as DNA extraction.
Nucleated cells undergo chemical treatment using a mild detergent to rupture the cell and release DNA.
Because all the DNA in a human cell is 6 feet long, it has to be chemically cut down to more manageable lengths.
Restriction enzymes cut the DNA at predetermined locations.
Restriction enzyme EcoRI finds the GAATTC sequence in DNA and performs a chemical cut wherever the sequence occurs.
Restriction enzymes exist in nature and all perform cuts after different patterns.

Post DNA Cut

In forensic investigations, DNA is separated and analyzed for patterns.
The process of gel electrophoresis places DNA fragments on a gel.
An electric current is run through the gel.
Smaller fragments travel faster and further and create a pattern on the gel.
DNA patterns are different in everyone, hence creating DNA fingerprints.
In the example, comparing an unknown blood stain pattern to possible suspects shows the pattern only matches one individual.