Unit 11 assignment 4
DNA extraction e.g. (forensic analysis in criminal investigations)
Reason for use
● DNA extraction plays a major role in the process of isolating DNA from cells, which is
the first step in many genetic research. DNA extraction is a forensic procedure that
involves removing genetic material from crime scene materials (saliva, hair, and
blood) in order to identify suspects.
Benefits
● DNA evidence has the potential to be extremely accurate to identify the criminals
responsible for a crime. By helping in the conviction of the guilty and the release of
the innocent, it also strengthens the criminal justice system.
Efficacy and cost
● When materials are handled appropriately, DNA extraction techniques are quite
effective. The quality and purity of the extracted DNA may have a significant impact
on further uses. Basic kits can be purchased for relatively little money, but more
sophisticated procedures can command higher prices. Automation has reduced
labour costs, although setup costs may still be significant.
DNA amplification e.g. (diagnosis of genetic diseases)
Reason for use
● Millions of copies of a certain DNA sequence can be produced, typically by
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This is crucial in cases where the DNA sample is
too little for analysis.
Benefits
● Allows for the identification of genetic alterations connected to specific diseases,
therefore allowing early diagnosis and targeted medical intervention. Because it
makes studies on gene expression and function easier, it is essential to genetic
research and industry.
Efficacy and cost
● Because of its extreme efficiency, PCR can very precisely and sensitively amplify
minute amounts of DNA. The cost of PCR has decreased with time. The cost of the
chemicals used in a single PCR reaction can range from £0.79 to 2.36, but
specialised equipment, like heat cyclers, can cost several thousand pounds.
Gel electrophoresis e.g. (quality control in biotechnology)
Reason for use
● Gel electrophoresis can be used to segregate DNA fragments based on their sizes.
Numerous types of genetic research, such as PCR product analysis and confirming
the effectiveness of DNA extractions, depend on this technique.
Benefits
● Helps researchers verify the size of DNA pieces, which helps to guarantee that tests
are conducted accurately. It is employed in quality control procedures such as
cloning to verify the integrity of DNA in genetically modified organisms.
Efficacy and cost
● It is extremely effective at telling DNA segments apart. Agarose gels are often utilised
for bigger fragments, and polyacrylamide gels are used for smaller fragments. It's not
DNA extraction e.g. (forensic analysis in criminal investigations)
Reason for use
● DNA extraction plays a major role in the process of isolating DNA from cells, which is
the first step in many genetic research. DNA extraction is a forensic procedure that
involves removing genetic material from crime scene materials (saliva, hair, and
blood) in order to identify suspects.
Benefits
● DNA evidence has the potential to be extremely accurate to identify the criminals
responsible for a crime. By helping in the conviction of the guilty and the release of
the innocent, it also strengthens the criminal justice system.
Efficacy and cost
● When materials are handled appropriately, DNA extraction techniques are quite
effective. The quality and purity of the extracted DNA may have a significant impact
on further uses. Basic kits can be purchased for relatively little money, but more
sophisticated procedures can command higher prices. Automation has reduced
labour costs, although setup costs may still be significant.
DNA amplification e.g. (diagnosis of genetic diseases)
Reason for use
● Millions of copies of a certain DNA sequence can be produced, typically by
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This is crucial in cases where the DNA sample is
too little for analysis.
Benefits
● Allows for the identification of genetic alterations connected to specific diseases,
therefore allowing early diagnosis and targeted medical intervention. Because it
makes studies on gene expression and function easier, it is essential to genetic
research and industry.
Efficacy and cost
● Because of its extreme efficiency, PCR can very precisely and sensitively amplify
minute amounts of DNA. The cost of PCR has decreased with time. The cost of the
chemicals used in a single PCR reaction can range from £0.79 to 2.36, but
specialised equipment, like heat cyclers, can cost several thousand pounds.
Gel electrophoresis e.g. (quality control in biotechnology)
Reason for use
● Gel electrophoresis can be used to segregate DNA fragments based on their sizes.
Numerous types of genetic research, such as PCR product analysis and confirming
the effectiveness of DNA extractions, depend on this technique.
Benefits
● Helps researchers verify the size of DNA pieces, which helps to guarantee that tests
are conducted accurately. It is employed in quality control procedures such as
cloning to verify the integrity of DNA in genetically modified organisms.
Efficacy and cost
● It is extremely effective at telling DNA segments apart. Agarose gels are often utilised
for bigger fragments, and polyacrylamide gels are used for smaller fragments. It's not
