General Overview:
This lesson will focus on the uses of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and gel electrophoresis. PRC revolutionized the field of genetics and molecular biology. The basic process involved making millions of copies of DNA in a short amount of time. This technique also allows scientists to make specific copies of certain DNA fragments. Tandem repeats are sections that are used to identify individuals and genes and Gel electrophoresis is a way of identifying segments of DNA by size. This is done by cutting the DNA into fragments and using the negative charge of DNA to separate it by size. This allows a comparison of DNA fragments and is useful for identifying alleles, criminal suspects, parents of offspring and others.
Syllabus Statements:
Understandings
Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size
PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA
Use of nucleotides containing dideoxyribonucleic acid to stop DNA replication in preparation of samples for base sequencing
Tandem repeats are used in DNA profiling
Application and Skills
Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations
Analysis of examples of DNA profiles
Use of Taq DNA polymerase to produce multiple copies of DNA rapidly by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Use of nucleotides containing dideoxyribonucleic acid to stop DNA replication in preparation of samples
for base sequencing
Resources
Video:
PCR
Gel Electrophoresis Video 1
Gel Electrophoresis Video 2
Reading:
PCR Reading 1
Use of DiDeoxy for base sequencing
Activity 1 - PCR Cycle Video
Activity 3 - Gel Electrophoresis