Bio 181, Fall 2005

Chapter 20 DNA Technology and Genomics

Learning Objectives

Understand, and be able to use the following terms:

biotechnology	gene cloning	restriction enzymes
DNA ligase	cloning vector	nucleic acid hybridization
transformation	E. coli	plasmid
polymerase chain reaction	gel electrophoresis	genetic testing
sequencing	DNA typing

1. Recognize the role of the following tools of biotechnology: E. coli; plasmid; restriction enzyme; transformation; gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid hybridization, gene cloning, microarrays, sequencing.

For example, which of the following is:

- Used as molecular scissors to cut DNA at particular sequences?

- Used to determine the order of nucleotides in a segment of DNA.

- Used to isolate a gene of interest so that it can be studied

- The process by host cells can be induced to take up DNA from outside of the cell (ie. vector DNA).

- Used to make millions copies of a particular segment of DNA without having to clone it first.

- Used to find a DNA sequence based complimentary base pairing?

- Used to find out which genes are expressed differently in two different cell types?

- Used as a host cell to make copies of a cloned piece of DNA?

- Used as a vector for bringing a cloned gene into a host cell?

- Used to knit together the ends of two DNA molecules.

2. What is the Human Genome Project? Why is it useful to research in biology and medicine? What are the possible benefits to society? What are some of the ethical concerns?