Genetic Engineering Diagram Labeling Quiz

Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering involves the manipulation or alteration of DNA of cells or individuals by removing, inserting, or modifying genes.
• It allows for the production of human insulin protein by cloning a human gene into a bacterial cell.
• The gene is isolated for use in additional experiments or left in the bacterial host cell to produce human insulin protein.

DNA Sequencing

• DNA sequencing is used to determine the sequence or correct order of DNA bases.
• It involves cloning millions of copies of a double-stranded DNA fragment using PCR.
• The strands are separated, and single-stranded fragments are placed in four different test tubes, one for each DNA base.
• Each tube contains four normal nucleotides (A, C, G, T) and an enzyme that can catalyze the synthesis of a complementary strand.
• One nucleotide in each tube is tagged with a different fluorescent color.
• The reactions produce complementary strands of varying lengths.
• These strands are separated according to size by gel electrophoresis, producing a pattern of fluorescent bands in the gel.

Gel Electrophoresis

• Gel electrophoresis is a process that separates DNA fragments according to their size.
• Smaller fragments move farther through the gel than larger fragments, resulting in a pattern of distinctive bands, called a DNA profile, or DNA fingerprint.
• This technique is used in DNA sequencing and DNA fingerprinting.

DNA Fingerprinting

• DNA fingerprinting, also known as short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, is a method used to identify individuals.
• It involves amplifying target sequences of DNA using PCR, which are then fluorescently labeled.
• The PCR products are placed in an automated DNA sequencer, and the fluorescent labels are picked up by a laser.
• A detector records the length of each DNA fragment, which is different for each person.
• Individuals who are homozygotes will have a single fragment, and heterozygotes will have two fragments of different lengths.

Applications of Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering is used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of human insulin and human growth hormone.
• It is also used in gene therapy to remove defective genes in the body and replace them with normal ones.
• Gene therapy can treat diseases such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis, allowing individuals with genetic diseases to live long and normal lives.

DNA Fingerprinting in Forensic Science

• DNA fingerprinting is used as evidence in forensic science to identify individuals.
• It can be used to establish that a suspect was at a crime scene or was with a victim when they were killed.
• DNA fingerprinting can also be used in paternity suits to determine the real father of a child.