Biotechnology Dec 17, 2024
The lab techniques that are used in genetic biotechnology are incredibly varied. Many different
methods are used and new ones are being developed all the time.
However, there are some fundamental techniques that are understood by most biotechnology
researchers.
These five techniques include:
1. Extracting DNA
2. Electrophoresis
3. Amplification
4. Sequencing
5. Recombinant DNA
Technique 1 – Extracting DNA
The extracted DNA contains the entire genome of the organism. Often, researchers are only
interested in studying one gene, or parts of a gene.
Individual genes can be cut from the chromosome using a specific restriction endonuclease
enzyme. These enzymes work by recognizing and cutting a specific sequence of nucleotides at
a location called a restriction site. Biologists use these enzymes as “molecular scissors.”
The DNA restriction fragments often have a few unpaired nucleotides at each end of the
fragment. These short sequences, called sticky ends, allow the fragment to join with other DNA
that has also been cut by the same RE. The result is that the DNA fragments can be joined
together—even with DNA from different species—to form new DNA called recombinant DNA.
Technique 2 - Electrophoresis
-using electricity to move genes with the use of agar.
DNA is a negative charge because of the phosphate
group.
-Its main objective is to separate the large and small
chunks of DNA with the use of charges.
Gel electrophoresis: One technique for determining
whether your sample contains the right fragments of
DNA.
Agarose: gelatin-like material where Negatively charged DNA molecules are forced to pass
through
The negatively charged molecules are pulled towards the positively charged end of the agarose
gel. The larger molecules get blocked more easily, so they move through the gel more slowly.
Smaller molecules can avoid some obstacles, so they move through the gel more rapidly.
The extracted DNA solution is forced to pass through the gel for a fixed period of time. The
result is that the different sizes of DNA molecules are spread out across the gel in stripes or
bands. The gel is removed and exposed to UV light and causes them to fluoresce, allowing
them to be photographed and studied. The size of the DNA molecule making up each band can
then be determined in order to see if your sample contains the fragments you thought it did.
A gel is usually constructed with 8 to 10 wells along its top end, into which the samples are
deposited. As the DNA moves downward through the gel from each well, it flows in straight lines
The lab techniques that are used in genetic biotechnology are incredibly varied. Many different
methods are used and new ones are being developed all the time.
However, there are some fundamental techniques that are understood by most biotechnology
researchers.
These five techniques include:
1. Extracting DNA
2. Electrophoresis
3. Amplification
4. Sequencing
5. Recombinant DNA
Technique 1 – Extracting DNA
The extracted DNA contains the entire genome of the organism. Often, researchers are only
interested in studying one gene, or parts of a gene.
Individual genes can be cut from the chromosome using a specific restriction endonuclease
enzyme. These enzymes work by recognizing and cutting a specific sequence of nucleotides at
a location called a restriction site. Biologists use these enzymes as “molecular scissors.”
The DNA restriction fragments often have a few unpaired nucleotides at each end of the
fragment. These short sequences, called sticky ends, allow the fragment to join with other DNA
that has also been cut by the same RE. The result is that the DNA fragments can be joined
together—even with DNA from different species—to form new DNA called recombinant DNA.
Technique 2 - Electrophoresis
-using electricity to move genes with the use of agar.
DNA is a negative charge because of the phosphate
group.
-Its main objective is to separate the large and small
chunks of DNA with the use of charges.
Gel electrophoresis: One technique for determining
whether your sample contains the right fragments of
DNA.
Agarose: gelatin-like material where Negatively charged DNA molecules are forced to pass
through
The negatively charged molecules are pulled towards the positively charged end of the agarose
gel. The larger molecules get blocked more easily, so they move through the gel more slowly.
Smaller molecules can avoid some obstacles, so they move through the gel more rapidly.
The extracted DNA solution is forced to pass through the gel for a fixed period of time. The
result is that the different sizes of DNA molecules are spread out across the gel in stripes or
bands. The gel is removed and exposed to UV light and causes them to fluoresce, allowing
them to be photographed and studied. The size of the DNA molecule making up each band can
then be determined in order to see if your sample contains the fragments you thought it did.
A gel is usually constructed with 8 to 10 wells along its top end, into which the samples are
deposited. As the DNA moves downward through the gel from each well, it flows in straight lines
