Vodcast 4.3

By: Paul Andersen

Paul Andersen explains the major procedures in molecular biology. He starts with a brief description of Taq polymerase extracted from the hot pools of Yellowstone Park. He then uses the analogy of the ransom note to explain each of the processes that are required in genetic engineering. He explains how DNA is cut using restriction enzymes and glued using hydrogen bonds. He explains how gel electrophoresis can be used to sort DNA according to length and how the Polymerase Chain Reaction can be used to copy DNA. He finishes with a brief description of DNA sequencing.