Biotechnology

Comparative genomics also has been used to identify recently mobilized transposons in genetically diverse humans. For example, over 600 recent transposon insertions were identified by examining DNA resequencing traces from 36 genetically diverse humans. Tbl 1 Which transposable elements are active in the human genome? (2007) Ryan E. Mills et al. Trends in Genetics 23:

DNA fingerprinting using RFLPs

Visualizing differences in DNA sequence by using restriction enzymes Sequence 1 Sequence 2

Restriction Enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences

Examples of some restriction enzymes…

Visualizing differences in DNA sequence by using restriction enzymes Sequence 1 Sequence 2

Separating DNA on a gel by size

Gel electrophoresis Fig 20.11

Visualizing differences in DNA sequence by RFLPs

DNA fingerprinting

Can DNA be obtained from hair?

How can DNA be obtained from such a small sample?

The inventor of PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction: amplifying DNA

Fig Polymerase Chain Reaction

Polymerase Chain Reaction: Primers allow specific regions to be amplified.

The inventor of PCR PCR animation

Areas of DNA from very small samples can be amplified by PCR, and then cut with restriction enzymes for RFLP analysis.

What is the largest scale experiment that is being currently performed?