Applications of Biotechnology

• Medicine: Genetic engineering, gene therapy
• Agriculture: Selective breeding, GMOs
• Forensic Science: DNA fingerprinting

Forensic Science

Trivia: DNA fingerprinting is a technique used in forensic science to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns. It has revolutionized criminal investigations and helped solve countless cases. Agriculture, Medicine, and Chemistry also benefit from this powerful tool.

Manipulating DNA

• Restriction enzymes: Cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences
• Gel electrophoresis: Separates DNA segments by length
• DNA fingerprinting: Identifies unique DNA patterns

DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify unique DNA patterns. It involves using restriction enzymes to cut DNA into fragments, then using gel electrophoresis to separate the fragments based on size. The resulting pattern, or fingerprint, can be used for identification purposes. Another technique, polymerase chain reaction, is used to amplify small amounts of DNA for analysis.

Applications of Biotechnology

DNA fingerprinting is a powerful forensic tool that provides compelling evidence of identity and family relationships. Gel electrophoresis is used to analyze DNA samples. Recombinant DNA is created by combining genes from different organisms using bacterial plasmids. Selective breeding is a method of breeding organisms with desired traits. Biotechnology revolutionizes various fields, from forensics to agriculture.

Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to analyze DNA samples. It separates DNA fragments based on their size and charge. The DNA is loaded onto a gel and an electric current is applied, causing the DNA fragments to migrate through the gel. Smaller fragments move faster and travel further, while larger fragments move slower and stay closer to the loading point. This technique is widely used in forensic analysis, genetic research, and paternity testing.

Applications of Biotechnology

1. Selective breeding: artificially selecting & breeding organisms with desired traits 2. Types: domesticated animals, crop plants 3. Drawback: increased recessive gene defects 4. Hybridization: breeding organisms with strong expression for 2 different traits 5. Cloning: making an exact copy of an organism 6. Gene Therapy: inserting normal genes to eliminate disorders 7. Stem cells in regenerative medicine

Artificial Selection

Trivia: Hybridization is a method of artificially selecting and breeding organisms with desired traits. It involves the crossbreeding of two different species or varieties to create offspring with the desired traits. This technique has been used for centuries in agriculture to improve crop yields and create new plant varieties.