Ch. 13.4: DNA Technology Applications Objectives: Describe the technique that enables scientists to mass-produce specific segments of DNA in a test tube. Describe a technique used to compare DNA samples. Vocabulary PCR Gel electrophoresis Genetic Marker DNA fingerprint
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique used to MAKE COPIES of a SEGMENT OF DNA. Start with 1 microgram DNA --> billions of copies Need enough DNA to analyze.
PCR Ingredients PRIMERS (short strands of DNA that will pair w/ target sequence) Nucleotides DNA Polymerase
PCR Steps 1. Add heat to separate strands. 2. Cool & add primers 3. Primers bind to target strand. 4. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides.
Comparing DNA Gel Electrophoresis Sorts molecules or fragments of DNA BY LENGTH. Used to compare DNA fr. different people.
Gel Electrophoresis DNA is (-)charged. DNA fragments move thru. gel to (+) end of gel bed. Shorter fragments travel farthest.
PCR
DNA Fingerprinting Pattern of DNA fragments produced by restriction enzymes. Each person has unique patterns Compare genetic markers between samples. Genetic Markers = Stretches of DNA that are variable among individuals. Differences due to different alleles, mutations in intron sequences
Summary PCR --> Make copies of DNA from a drop of blood or hair follicle. Gel electrophoresis --> Separate fragments DNA fingerprinting --> Look for genetic markers to identify. Each person has unique DNA sequence = different fragments = diff. banding pattern (Fingerprint)