Biology Gene Cloning Flashcards - AQA whole topic summarised in 19 detailed flashcards

To amplify a DNA sample, e.g. one found at the crime scene so further tests can be conducted on it. Advantages and disadvantages of in vitro cloning VS advantages and disadvantages of in vivo cloning: PCR is automated, making it rapid and efficient. It is particularly valuable for forensics. It also does not require living cells, so no complex culturing techniques that require time and effort are needed. PCR requires a very pure sample, any contamination is also amplified and can lead to false results from further testing etc. It is also less accurate, and any errors in copying DNA are also copied in the subsequent cycles. In vivo cloning is particularly useful when the main objective is to introduce the desired gene into an organism, e.g. introducing the vector to a human. Additionally, it involves almost no risk of contamination as the desired gene has been cut using the same sticky ends so contaminant DNA will not be taken up by the plasmid. Very accurate, the chances of a mutation are very rare. It also cuts out a specific gene, so not the whole DNA sample is being replicated. It also produces transformed bacteria, which is useful if the main objective is to produce proteins commercially/ medically e.g. insulin. In vivo cloning is very time consuming. It could take many days or weeks to produce the same quantity of DNA that PCR would in a shorter time.