Essential Idea:
Scientists have developed techniques for
artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms
Understandings:
- PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA
- Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size
- DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA
- Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species
- Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell
- Many plant species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning
- Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells
- Methods have been developed for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells
Applications:
- Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations
- Gene transfer to bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase
- Assessment of the potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops
- Production of cloned embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer
Skills:
- Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem cuttings
- Analysis of examples of DNA profiles
- Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops