Tools and Techniques in Genetic Engineering
The chapter discusses critical tools and techniques in genetic engineering, focusing on how enzymes and processes manipulate DNA. It covers the functions of restriction enzymes and ligases, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used for DNA amplification, and gel electrophoresis, which separates DNA fragments by size. These fundamental concepts provide a foundational understanding of modern genetic engineering practices.
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What we have learnt
- Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, enabling recombinant DNA creation.
- DNA ligase joins DNA fragments together, essential for gene cloning.
- PCR is a vital technique for amplifying DNA sequences rapidly and accurately.
- Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments based on size, which is critical for analysis.
Key Concepts
- -- Restriction Enzymes
- Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in cloning and recombinant DNA technology.
- -- DNA Ligase
- An enzyme that joins DNA fragments by forming covalent bonds, crucial for gene editing.
- -- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- A technique that amplifies specific DNA segments, producing millions of copies for various applications.
- -- Gel Electrophoresis
- A method for separating DNA fragments by size through an electric field, allowing for visualization and analysis.
- -- Plasmids
- Circular DNA molecules used as vectors for carrying foreign genes within a host organism.
- -- Taq Polymerase
- A heat-resistant enzyme used in PCR to synthesize new DNA strands.
- -- Primers
- Short DNA sequences that initiate the DNA synthesis process during PCR.
- -- Microinjection
- A technique to inject DNA directly into cells, allowing for genetic modification.
Additional Learning Materials
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