Unit 11 Assignment D:
Explore basic DNA techniques and the use of genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is a process which involves the artificial alteration of DNA, RNA or
other types of nucleic acid molecules using biotechnology. This process leads to the
modification of the organism from which this change happens to. It is completed by
changing the organism's genome via removal, addition or substituting bases in the genetic
code. Genetic engineering is done to give the organism desirable characteristics that are
not already present in the organism. This process is incredibly useful to gene technology
because it has allowed many breakthroughs in research that contribute to tackle problems
with vaccines, medicine, vaccinations, famine and crop yield.
Genetic engineering | Definition, Process, Uses, Examples, Techniques, & Facts |
Britannica
Genetic engineering - Genetic engineering - National 5 Biology Revision - BBC Bitesize
One example of how genetic engineering is used in the medical sector is that scientists
have been able to make bacteria cells produce insulin which can be used to help treat
diabetes. It is also used in the agriculture sector, rice that has a golden color is not
naturally occurring, it was genetically modified to contain high yields of a molecule called
beta- carotene that when it is digested in the human body it can become converted into
vitamin A which was very useful in countries that eat a diet high in rice or wheat because
they had deficiency levels of vitamin A which can lead to illnesses such as blindness. We
are also able to genetically engineer plants and animals to increase yield so that they
provide humans with more nutrients, which helps to save time and money rather than
giving the population vitamin supplements and injections.
Golden Rice | Embryo Project Encyclopedia
What is genetic engineering?
DNA Extraction:
DNA extraction is a technique that is used to isolate the DNA from membrane bound
organelles and biological molecules via processes that can be either physical or chemical.
It is an important procedure in the medical and forensic sector because it allows us to find
DNA and compare it against samples. Some examples include the testing and production
of vaccinations, creation of medicines, forensic and crime testing and genetic engineering.
Cell fractionation is a technique of DNA extraction, which is used to break apart cells so
that we can observe the organelles which are inside. The sample must be placed in a
,solution which has the following properties. It must be cold; this is to slow enzyme activity
so that it does not digest organelles. It must be isotonic to ensure that there is no damage
to organelles via the movement of water by osmosis that can either lyse or shrink the cells.
The solution must also be a buffer so that the pH does not cause damage to the cells.
Equipment:
• Test tube
• Pestle and Mortar
• Filter paper
• Funnel
• Centrifuge
• Sample of DNA that you want to extract DNA from
• Measuring cylinder
Risk assessment:
Risk Hazard Precaution
Glass wear The glass could be Wear goggle and handle the
smashed and lead to cuts glass wear with precaution
to the skin
1. The first step is called homogenization which is when the sample that you are
wanting to extract the DNA from is blended up or crushed. This is to break up the
plasma membrane so the organelles can be released in the solution. Place this
sample into approximately 100cm3 of the solution, which is cold, isotonic and
buffered.
2. Next filter the sample through filter paper or gauze to remove the large debris, use a
funnel for the liquid to flow into the test tube and the organelles will pass through
because they are so small.
3. Place the cell fragments in a tube and place it into a centrifuge. Spin it at a low
speed, this will cause the heaviest organelles to settle to the bottom in the pellet.
4. The nucleus contains genetic material and is the largest organelle, therefore we
need to extract the pellet for the DNA.
, In the above image you can see the white material at the bottom, this is called the pellet
this is what will contain our sample of DNA, this is because the nucleus is the heaviest
organelle so when it undergoes centrifugation it is the first to settle to the bottom. When
this occurs, it means that the experiment has been successful.
Cell Fractionation & Ultracentrifugation | AQA A Level Biology Revision Notes 2015
Isolation of Buccal Cell DNA – David Fankhauser
The main DNA extraction technique is a method which allows for an efficient extraction
which has good quality DNA. DNA extraction relies on isolating a sample of DNA and
removing any other components that could impact the amplification such as proteins,
lipids and RNA. In this experiment we used a kiwi for our DNA extraction. The main steps of
DNA extraction involve; 1. the disruption of the cell membrane so that the genetic material
Explore basic DNA techniques and the use of genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is a process which involves the artificial alteration of DNA, RNA or
other types of nucleic acid molecules using biotechnology. This process leads to the
modification of the organism from which this change happens to. It is completed by
changing the organism's genome via removal, addition or substituting bases in the genetic
code. Genetic engineering is done to give the organism desirable characteristics that are
not already present in the organism. This process is incredibly useful to gene technology
because it has allowed many breakthroughs in research that contribute to tackle problems
with vaccines, medicine, vaccinations, famine and crop yield.
Genetic engineering | Definition, Process, Uses, Examples, Techniques, & Facts |
Britannica
Genetic engineering - Genetic engineering - National 5 Biology Revision - BBC Bitesize
One example of how genetic engineering is used in the medical sector is that scientists
have been able to make bacteria cells produce insulin which can be used to help treat
diabetes. It is also used in the agriculture sector, rice that has a golden color is not
naturally occurring, it was genetically modified to contain high yields of a molecule called
beta- carotene that when it is digested in the human body it can become converted into
vitamin A which was very useful in countries that eat a diet high in rice or wheat because
they had deficiency levels of vitamin A which can lead to illnesses such as blindness. We
are also able to genetically engineer plants and animals to increase yield so that they
provide humans with more nutrients, which helps to save time and money rather than
giving the population vitamin supplements and injections.
Golden Rice | Embryo Project Encyclopedia
What is genetic engineering?
DNA Extraction:
DNA extraction is a technique that is used to isolate the DNA from membrane bound
organelles and biological molecules via processes that can be either physical or chemical.
It is an important procedure in the medical and forensic sector because it allows us to find
DNA and compare it against samples. Some examples include the testing and production
of vaccinations, creation of medicines, forensic and crime testing and genetic engineering.
Cell fractionation is a technique of DNA extraction, which is used to break apart cells so
that we can observe the organelles which are inside. The sample must be placed in a
,solution which has the following properties. It must be cold; this is to slow enzyme activity
so that it does not digest organelles. It must be isotonic to ensure that there is no damage
to organelles via the movement of water by osmosis that can either lyse or shrink the cells.
The solution must also be a buffer so that the pH does not cause damage to the cells.
Equipment:
• Test tube
• Pestle and Mortar
• Filter paper
• Funnel
• Centrifuge
• Sample of DNA that you want to extract DNA from
• Measuring cylinder
Risk assessment:
Risk Hazard Precaution
Glass wear The glass could be Wear goggle and handle the
smashed and lead to cuts glass wear with precaution
to the skin
1. The first step is called homogenization which is when the sample that you are
wanting to extract the DNA from is blended up or crushed. This is to break up the
plasma membrane so the organelles can be released in the solution. Place this
sample into approximately 100cm3 of the solution, which is cold, isotonic and
buffered.
2. Next filter the sample through filter paper or gauze to remove the large debris, use a
funnel for the liquid to flow into the test tube and the organelles will pass through
because they are so small.
3. Place the cell fragments in a tube and place it into a centrifuge. Spin it at a low
speed, this will cause the heaviest organelles to settle to the bottom in the pellet.
4. The nucleus contains genetic material and is the largest organelle, therefore we
need to extract the pellet for the DNA.
, In the above image you can see the white material at the bottom, this is called the pellet
this is what will contain our sample of DNA, this is because the nucleus is the heaviest
organelle so when it undergoes centrifugation it is the first to settle to the bottom. When
this occurs, it means that the experiment has been successful.
Cell Fractionation & Ultracentrifugation | AQA A Level Biology Revision Notes 2015
Isolation of Buccal Cell DNA – David Fankhauser
The main DNA extraction technique is a method which allows for an efficient extraction
which has good quality DNA. DNA extraction relies on isolating a sample of DNA and
removing any other components that could impact the amplification such as proteins,
lipids and RNA. In this experiment we used a kiwi for our DNA extraction. The main steps of
DNA extraction involve; 1. the disruption of the cell membrane so that the genetic material
