BIOTECHNOLOGY

Sanger

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PCR

What it is: The polymerase chain reaction is a way to produce many copies of a DNA without the use of cells.

How it works:

What how significant application

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Gel Electrophoresis

What is it: A way to separate fragments of DNA based on their size.

How it works: The DNA is placed into a matrix gel made of agarose. The gel is exposed to an electric field. DNA migrates to the positive electrode. Different size fragments move through the gel at different rates (smaller=faster). "DNA fingerprint" The unique banding pattern of a particular restriction enzyme digest of a part of a DNA sequence.

Restriction Enzyme

How they work: There are many different types of restriction enzymes. Generally speaking they recognize "palindromic DNA sequences". They either cut in the middle of the sequence (blunt cuts) or produce 5' hangover of a few bases (sticky ends)

Restriction Endonuclease's: They cut DNA at specific sequences. They have cutting locations called restriction sites usually 4-8 bp. They are essentially enzymatic DNA scissors. Restriction enzymes are named based for the bacteria they are isolated from. Different restriction enzymes recognize different restriction sites.

Plasmids/cloning vectors

What are they: DNA molecules that can be modified to store and replicate other DNA sequences. ex, Bacterial Plasmids, phages, viruses, artificial chromosomes.

How they work:

Recomb. DNA (Vaccine)

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CRISPR

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