Lab TopicsDNA ExtractionIntroduction to restriction Enzymes & Gel Electrophoresis |
Background Lectures |
Concepts & ThemesDNA is the molecule of heredity. In order to understand inheritance we must first understand the Structure and function of DNA, and the techniques necessary to extract, cut, and identify target DNA sequences in a laboratory setting.
|
DNA Replication
|
Living organisms must copy their DNA in order to grow, develop, reproduce, and repair damaged cells. To do this they employ a collection of enzymes. Scientists can also copy DNA in vitro using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is necessary when a limited sample has been obtained and larger sample sizes are necessary for testing purposes. This can be used in crime scene investigations, in paternity testing, or when small amounts of DNA are found in fossils.
|
Basic Microbiological TechniquesTransformation |
Prokaryotes are important organisms used to elucidate basic concepts such as regulation of gene expression and protein interactions. They are also the workhorses of biotechnology companies used to produce important protein products like human insulin for diabetics. In this unit we will study one way in which prokaryotes modify there gene expression in response to environment. We will then use bacteria to clone a gene of interest into them, and purify our protein of interest.
|
Mitochondrial Inheritance & DNA Sequencing |
Eukaryotic cells evolved through endosymbiosis of early prokaryotes where host cells endocytosed aerobic prokaryotes, each imparting a selective advantage to the other. Over time the 2 became inseparable and the 1st eukaryote with a mitochondrion was born. Later, a second endosymbiotic event took place where some eukaryotes absorbed a photosynthetic cyanobacteria which formed the first chloroplast and subsequently the first plant cell. Evidence that supports this theory is that both of these organelles have a double membrane, their own 70S ribosomes, reproduce independently of the cell through fission, have a double membrane, are the same size as prokaryotes, and have their own circular DNA. This DNA is passed on maternally and has a high mutation rate, making it ideal for studying differences in closely related species or between various human populations. In this lab we will use the DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoreses techniques learned to extract our own DNA, amplify target sequences in our mitochondria, use gel electrophorese to validate our amplification, and then send our DNA off for sequencing with the Dolan learning Center. From our results we will be able to determine our ethnic heritage.
|