Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology refers to the exploitation of biological processes for any purpose.
Genetic engineering is a specific type of biotechnology which manipulates the
genome of an organism to modify its characteristics (phenotypes). The resultant
organisms of genetic engineering are referred to with the abbreviation GMOs
(Genetically Modified Organisms).
Extraction, separation and amplification of DNA within the laboratory:
Experiment technique:
Procedures such as calibration must be carried out to obtain accurate results.
Calibration is the process of checking a measuring instrument to ensure there are
no faults that could affect the accuracy of the results. You must calibrate the
equipment being used throughout the experiment; if not, the results will have a
higher uncertainty. Each piece of equipment has a calibration method individual to
its function:
Piece of equipment Calibration method
Glassware Rinse out with distilled water to
remove any residue. Also, ensure
there are no cracks/chips because if
there is product could be lost.
2d.p scales Ensure that the scales are 00.00 when turned
on and measure a known mass to test the
accuracy of the scales.
Micropipette Change the tip of the micropipette to
an unused tip between the individual
samples so that there is no
contamination.
Also, a risk assessment of any hazardous equipment/substances is carried out for
individual experiments, but these are general safety precautions that should be
taken when working in a laboratory:
To prevent the risk of the hazard; lab coats, eye protection (safety glasses/goggles)
and rubber gloves should be worn whilst handling these chemicals. Also, avoid
using high concentrations where possible.
If physical contact with chemicals does occur, rinse the exposed area with distilled
water. If the substance is spilt on a surface, wipe it with a damp cloth (if it is an
anhydrous substance, avoid lifting dust particles into the air). If symptoms occur,
seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms are not foreseeable.
Minor scratches/cuts should be washed and have a small, sterile dressing applied to
it. For severe cuts, sit down and apply pressure to the wound using a sterile
dressing. Seek immediate medical attention. Treat burns by rinsing it with cold
water and seek medical attention for severe burns.
, DNA extraction is a method used to obtain and isolate DNA from their cells.
Genomic DNA within prokaryotic cells can be extracted from their plasmids while
DNA within eukaryotic cells can be extracted from the nucleus as well as the
mitochondria and chloroplasts if the cells have been differentially centrifuged –
differential centrifugation refers to a technique that allows the organelles of a cell to
separate based on sedimentation rates. This technique can is used to sample plant
DNA.
Differential centrifugation experiment:
Apparatus:
250ml beaker x2
25ml beaker x2
100ml beaker
Salt
2dp Mass balance
Weighing bottle
Spatula
Glass rod
Strawberry
Pestle and mortar
Hot water bath
Funnel
Filter paper
Ethanol
Risk assessment:
Apparatus / Hazard Comment Prevention
substance
Ethanol Pure: Pure ethanol: -For pure ethanol, the
Flammable -Highly flammable as a concentration in the
IDA: liquid and vapour. atmosphere should not
- -As a vapor it can catch exceed 5760 mg/m
Flammable fire above 13 degrees. -For both, the area should
-Harmful The vapour/air mixture be well ventilated.
-Health is explosive. -Be cautious when
Hazard Industrial denatured carrying/placing the
alcohol: ethanol, avoiding any
-This is used within contact.
school labs. This If ingested, no more than
ethanol contains 5% rinse the mouth and spit.
methanol which makes Do not induce vomiting.
it more hazardous than Immediately contact
Biotechnology refers to the exploitation of biological processes for any purpose.
Genetic engineering is a specific type of biotechnology which manipulates the
genome of an organism to modify its characteristics (phenotypes). The resultant
organisms of genetic engineering are referred to with the abbreviation GMOs
(Genetically Modified Organisms).
Extraction, separation and amplification of DNA within the laboratory:
Experiment technique:
Procedures such as calibration must be carried out to obtain accurate results.
Calibration is the process of checking a measuring instrument to ensure there are
no faults that could affect the accuracy of the results. You must calibrate the
equipment being used throughout the experiment; if not, the results will have a
higher uncertainty. Each piece of equipment has a calibration method individual to
its function:
Piece of equipment Calibration method
Glassware Rinse out with distilled water to
remove any residue. Also, ensure
there are no cracks/chips because if
there is product could be lost.
2d.p scales Ensure that the scales are 00.00 when turned
on and measure a known mass to test the
accuracy of the scales.
Micropipette Change the tip of the micropipette to
an unused tip between the individual
samples so that there is no
contamination.
Also, a risk assessment of any hazardous equipment/substances is carried out for
individual experiments, but these are general safety precautions that should be
taken when working in a laboratory:
To prevent the risk of the hazard; lab coats, eye protection (safety glasses/goggles)
and rubber gloves should be worn whilst handling these chemicals. Also, avoid
using high concentrations where possible.
If physical contact with chemicals does occur, rinse the exposed area with distilled
water. If the substance is spilt on a surface, wipe it with a damp cloth (if it is an
anhydrous substance, avoid lifting dust particles into the air). If symptoms occur,
seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms are not foreseeable.
Minor scratches/cuts should be washed and have a small, sterile dressing applied to
it. For severe cuts, sit down and apply pressure to the wound using a sterile
dressing. Seek immediate medical attention. Treat burns by rinsing it with cold
water and seek medical attention for severe burns.
, DNA extraction is a method used to obtain and isolate DNA from their cells.
Genomic DNA within prokaryotic cells can be extracted from their plasmids while
DNA within eukaryotic cells can be extracted from the nucleus as well as the
mitochondria and chloroplasts if the cells have been differentially centrifuged –
differential centrifugation refers to a technique that allows the organelles of a cell to
separate based on sedimentation rates. This technique can is used to sample plant
DNA.
Differential centrifugation experiment:
Apparatus:
250ml beaker x2
25ml beaker x2
100ml beaker
Salt
2dp Mass balance
Weighing bottle
Spatula
Glass rod
Strawberry
Pestle and mortar
Hot water bath
Funnel
Filter paper
Ethanol
Risk assessment:
Apparatus / Hazard Comment Prevention
substance
Ethanol Pure: Pure ethanol: -For pure ethanol, the
Flammable -Highly flammable as a concentration in the
IDA: liquid and vapour. atmosphere should not
- -As a vapor it can catch exceed 5760 mg/m
Flammable fire above 13 degrees. -For both, the area should
-Harmful The vapour/air mixture be well ventilated.
-Health is explosive. -Be cautious when
Hazard Industrial denatured carrying/placing the
alcohol: ethanol, avoiding any
-This is used within contact.
school labs. This If ingested, no more than
ethanol contains 5% rinse the mouth and spit.
methanol which makes Do not induce vomiting.
it more hazardous than Immediately contact
