DNA Technology
DNA technology is a practice that involves the study and modification of DNA. This procedure
allows genes to be researched, altered in the form of DNA strand positions, removed from DNA
strands, copied or changed, and combined with genes from different organisms. This makes it
possible to acquire both particular or desired traits and a wider range of genetic traits (Canvas,
Class Notes, 2024).
DNA extraction – What it is
In molecular biology research, DNA extraction is the process of separating deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA) from cells or tissues. This technique basically involves lysis, which involves opening
the cell, extracting proteins and other parts of the cell, and then separating the DNA. After
being separated, this DNA can be examined, altered, or used in a number of ways (Excedr,
2024). DNA can be extracted from a cell using a variety of techniques, including chemical and
physical ones. However, follow the same principles:
- Cell extract preparation involves separating cells from one another and breaking
down the nuclear and cell surface membranes.
- Purifying the DNA sample involves removing the DNA from proteins and RNA
that are still present in the DNA, leaving the DNA isolated from other
components that enable extraction using alcohol precipitation
- The DNA is then removed from the solution using a glass rod.
(Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
More of DNA extraction will be explained further where samples of DNA will be extracted,
amplified and separated.
The purpose of using PCR to amplify DNA
Before going into more detail about DNA extraction, why does DNA need to be amplified.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify DNA in vitro. PCR is a
technique for amplifying DNA that uses complementary primers to target specific DNA
sequences. This technology enables scientists to quickly and cheaply generate millions of copies
of a specific target DNA sequence for study (BBC, 2024).
PCR tests can detect disease even when there are very few microorganisms in your body.
During a PCR test, a small bit of genetic material in your sample is copied several times. The
copying process is referred to as amplification. If your sample contains pathogens, amplification
can make them much more detectable (MedlinePlus, 2024).
, In medicine for example, early diagnosis can make a world of difference when it comes to
serious health conditions. For instance, PCR can help detect cancers like leukemia and
lymphoma in their early stages, giving patients a better chance for successful treatment. It’s
also used to spot viral infections early on by analyzing the DNA and RNA of certain viruses,
allowing for well-timed interventions. Additionally, relating to fertility, preimplantation genetic
screening uses PCR to check embryos for genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, before they
are implanted during IVF (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Another industry where PCR to amplify DNA is used in crime scenes. PCR allows to increase the
amount of DNA found at a crime scene. If only a little amount of DNA remains at a crime scene,
amplification can boost it to a suitable level for analysis (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Archaeologists also use PCR to where small amounts of DNA is removed from ancient bones
and amplified to a suitable amount again to analyse. They use this technique to identify a
particular species or individual (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Image showing stages of PCR amplification of DNA (Britannica, 2024).
Gel Electrophoresis
A lab technique called gel electrophoresis is used to sort protein, RNA, or DNA mixtures based
on molecule size. In gel electrophoresis, an electrical field forces the molecules to be separated
through a gel with tiny pores. The pace at which the molecules move through the gel's pores is
inversely proportional to their lengths. This means that a smaller DNA molecule will pass
through the gel more quickly than a larger one (Nature, 2014). To explain this further, DNA
DNA technology is a practice that involves the study and modification of DNA. This procedure
allows genes to be researched, altered in the form of DNA strand positions, removed from DNA
strands, copied or changed, and combined with genes from different organisms. This makes it
possible to acquire both particular or desired traits and a wider range of genetic traits (Canvas,
Class Notes, 2024).
DNA extraction – What it is
In molecular biology research, DNA extraction is the process of separating deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA) from cells or tissues. This technique basically involves lysis, which involves opening
the cell, extracting proteins and other parts of the cell, and then separating the DNA. After
being separated, this DNA can be examined, altered, or used in a number of ways (Excedr,
2024). DNA can be extracted from a cell using a variety of techniques, including chemical and
physical ones. However, follow the same principles:
- Cell extract preparation involves separating cells from one another and breaking
down the nuclear and cell surface membranes.
- Purifying the DNA sample involves removing the DNA from proteins and RNA
that are still present in the DNA, leaving the DNA isolated from other
components that enable extraction using alcohol precipitation
- The DNA is then removed from the solution using a glass rod.
(Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
More of DNA extraction will be explained further where samples of DNA will be extracted,
amplified and separated.
The purpose of using PCR to amplify DNA
Before going into more detail about DNA extraction, why does DNA need to be amplified.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify DNA in vitro. PCR is a
technique for amplifying DNA that uses complementary primers to target specific DNA
sequences. This technology enables scientists to quickly and cheaply generate millions of copies
of a specific target DNA sequence for study (BBC, 2024).
PCR tests can detect disease even when there are very few microorganisms in your body.
During a PCR test, a small bit of genetic material in your sample is copied several times. The
copying process is referred to as amplification. If your sample contains pathogens, amplification
can make them much more detectable (MedlinePlus, 2024).
, In medicine for example, early diagnosis can make a world of difference when it comes to
serious health conditions. For instance, PCR can help detect cancers like leukemia and
lymphoma in their early stages, giving patients a better chance for successful treatment. It’s
also used to spot viral infections early on by analyzing the DNA and RNA of certain viruses,
allowing for well-timed interventions. Additionally, relating to fertility, preimplantation genetic
screening uses PCR to check embryos for genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, before they
are implanted during IVF (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Another industry where PCR to amplify DNA is used in crime scenes. PCR allows to increase the
amount of DNA found at a crime scene. If only a little amount of DNA remains at a crime scene,
amplification can boost it to a suitable level for analysis (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Archaeologists also use PCR to where small amounts of DNA is removed from ancient bones
and amplified to a suitable amount again to analyse. They use this technique to identify a
particular species or individual (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Image showing stages of PCR amplification of DNA (Britannica, 2024).
Gel Electrophoresis
A lab technique called gel electrophoresis is used to sort protein, RNA, or DNA mixtures based
on molecule size. In gel electrophoresis, an electrical field forces the molecules to be separated
through a gel with tiny pores. The pace at which the molecules move through the gel's pores is
inversely proportional to their lengths. This means that a smaller DNA molecule will pass
through the gel more quickly than a larger one (Nature, 2014). To explain this further, DNA
