1. Gene Technology
Any form of studying genes, DNA, or altering genes to enhance or remove a trait; some forms allow organisms to perform new functions
Aka: Genetic Engineering
Uses of gene technology:
- Paternity Medicine (insulin, HGH, cancer)
- ID Remains - Agriculture
- Tracking origins - Gene research
- Criminal evidence - Gene therapy
- Species relationships
Many genes are added to bacterial DNA to create new genes.
This is called Recombinant DNA

2. Gene Technology Recombinant DNA:
Combining the DNA of 2 different organisms to create new genes
Steps:
Circular DNA from bacteria (plasmids) is removed.
Plasmid is cut with enzymes at a specific point
The desired gene is then added to the plasmid DNA
DNA Ligase connects the plasmid DNA with the inserted gene
Plasmid is returned to the bacterium to divide
Uses:
- Insulin production
- HGH production
- Agriculture/crops
- Gene therapy

3. Gene Technology Before being ID’d, DNA must be…
- Copied - Cut - Separated
Copying DNA:
Usually DNA fragments needing to be tested are found in very small amounts
Must be copied to have enough to test
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): process used to make copies of a DNA fragment; amount doubles each time
Primers are added to the DNA template to signal a starting point
DNA polymerase enzymes make a copy of a target DNA strand

4. Gene Technology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

5. Gene Technology Cutting DNA:
Scientists use bacterial enzymes to cut a DNA helix at a specific point
Restriction enzymes
Cut between 2 specific bases depending on the type of enzyme
Ex: This enzyme will cut between A followed by G from 3’ to 5’
These are called “sticky ends” since they will match with another strand of bases

6. Gene Technology Separating DNA:
Pieces of DNA of different sizes can be separated by Gel Electrophoresis
Put DNA pieces into wells in a special gel
Electric current run through gel, negative electrode near to the starting wells
DNA segments move through the gel
DNA having a slight negative charge and will move to positive side
Smaller pieces of DNA will travel farther through the gel
Stain gel with dye to create a DNA fingerprint

7. Gene Technology
DNA Fingerprint

8. Gene Technology
DNA Fingerprint: Crime Scene Application

9. Gene Technology
DNA Fingerprint: Paternity Application