Basic DNA techniques and
genetic engineering technology
In this practical, I extracted, amplified, and separated DNA using the using PCR.
DNA extraction
I used the dipstick method to extract DNA from cheek cells using salted water. It was then
centrifuged to pellet the cells. After that I added a lysis buffer to break open the cells. I then
dipped the dipstick into the cell suspension and washed off any unwanted material by
dipping the dipstick into the wash buffer.
PCR
Used to amplify a part of the ACTN3 gene. In each tube I need to pipette four microlitres of
Master mix (holds Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MGCI2, and reaction buffers), PCR grade
water, and my DNA sample (by pipetting the DNA in the PCR tube). I then programmed the
thermocycler and put the PCR tubes in it. I set it to 120 seconds at 94 Celsius. I did 35 cycles
made up of 3 steps: 30 seconds at 94 Celsius, 30 seconds at 56 Celsius, and 30 seconds at 72
Celsius.
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
It is used to separate the DNA strands because of their size and charge and to visualise the
DNA. I loaded the samples onto a 1% agarose gel having a fluorescent gel which binds the
DNA and is visible using blue light. DNA is loaded into wells at one end of the gel, and you do
it by pipetting the sample at the top of the gel. I programmed the gel electrophoresis by
setting it to 250 volts so the electrophoresis can be done for 30-40 minutes.
, Visualisation of the gel
On the gel you can see DNA bands of varied sizes.
The uses of genetic engineering techniques
PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
It is used in DNA profiling and to find the remains of individuals that cannot be identified
visually. It is used in the industry as a way of gene expression, genotyping, and cloning. PCR
checks for genetic material in a sample to diagnose infectious diseases and cancers. This
technique involves around a series of temperature cycles that allows the replication of DNA
segments making it produce copies of a target DNA region. PCR plays a role in food
pathogen detection and GMO testing. Scientific research shows that PCR tests are more
accurate than any other COVID-19 test (antigen test). PCR testing costs between £19-£43
per test. There are three stages of PCR. The first stage is denaturing where the reaction
mixer is heated to 94 Celsius for 30 seconds. This separates the DNA into two single strands.
The second stage is annealing where the temperature is decreased to allow DNA primers to
attach the template DNA. The last stage is extending where the temperature is increased
again, and the new DNA strand is made by Taq polymerase enzyme. For PCR you need:
template DNA, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase. PCR can distinguish DNA
sequences from one nucleotide making it an accurate technique. It can amplify a small
amount of DNA sample into millions of copies. However, it is susceptible to contamination
misleading data interpretation. PCR could be promising as a use to detect biomarkers for
cancers in blood and urine samples. PCR can be used to analyse gene expression levels in
tumours and microbes. It also identifies through prenatal and detects cancerous cells so
doctors can provide the right treatment for their patients. PCR allows pharmaceutical
companies to amplify DNA sequences to undergo the production of recombinant proteins
and vaccines. It can also amplify DNA for crime scene samples such as DNA fingerprinting.
This is used to make a specific pattern of DNA bands unique to individuals to help with
identifying the culprit. PCR detects microbial contamination in water and is used in
biodiversity studies to monitor species in many ecosystems to provide insights on ecological
health and changes.
Gel Electrophoresis
It separates DNA molecules of varied sizes and allows us to analyse the results of a PCR
experiment. It is used to safeguard the quality of food products. It is also used to detect the
impurity and concentration of antibiotics and vaccines. The separation of molecules in the
technique is based on charge and the cross-section of the molecules in the state it is in. Gel
genetic engineering technology
In this practical, I extracted, amplified, and separated DNA using the using PCR.
DNA extraction
I used the dipstick method to extract DNA from cheek cells using salted water. It was then
centrifuged to pellet the cells. After that I added a lysis buffer to break open the cells. I then
dipped the dipstick into the cell suspension and washed off any unwanted material by
dipping the dipstick into the wash buffer.
PCR
Used to amplify a part of the ACTN3 gene. In each tube I need to pipette four microlitres of
Master mix (holds Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MGCI2, and reaction buffers), PCR grade
water, and my DNA sample (by pipetting the DNA in the PCR tube). I then programmed the
thermocycler and put the PCR tubes in it. I set it to 120 seconds at 94 Celsius. I did 35 cycles
made up of 3 steps: 30 seconds at 94 Celsius, 30 seconds at 56 Celsius, and 30 seconds at 72
Celsius.
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
It is used to separate the DNA strands because of their size and charge and to visualise the
DNA. I loaded the samples onto a 1% agarose gel having a fluorescent gel which binds the
DNA and is visible using blue light. DNA is loaded into wells at one end of the gel, and you do
it by pipetting the sample at the top of the gel. I programmed the gel electrophoresis by
setting it to 250 volts so the electrophoresis can be done for 30-40 minutes.
, Visualisation of the gel
On the gel you can see DNA bands of varied sizes.
The uses of genetic engineering techniques
PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
It is used in DNA profiling and to find the remains of individuals that cannot be identified
visually. It is used in the industry as a way of gene expression, genotyping, and cloning. PCR
checks for genetic material in a sample to diagnose infectious diseases and cancers. This
technique involves around a series of temperature cycles that allows the replication of DNA
segments making it produce copies of a target DNA region. PCR plays a role in food
pathogen detection and GMO testing. Scientific research shows that PCR tests are more
accurate than any other COVID-19 test (antigen test). PCR testing costs between £19-£43
per test. There are three stages of PCR. The first stage is denaturing where the reaction
mixer is heated to 94 Celsius for 30 seconds. This separates the DNA into two single strands.
The second stage is annealing where the temperature is decreased to allow DNA primers to
attach the template DNA. The last stage is extending where the temperature is increased
again, and the new DNA strand is made by Taq polymerase enzyme. For PCR you need:
template DNA, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase. PCR can distinguish DNA
sequences from one nucleotide making it an accurate technique. It can amplify a small
amount of DNA sample into millions of copies. However, it is susceptible to contamination
misleading data interpretation. PCR could be promising as a use to detect biomarkers for
cancers in blood and urine samples. PCR can be used to analyse gene expression levels in
tumours and microbes. It also identifies through prenatal and detects cancerous cells so
doctors can provide the right treatment for their patients. PCR allows pharmaceutical
companies to amplify DNA sequences to undergo the production of recombinant proteins
and vaccines. It can also amplify DNA for crime scene samples such as DNA fingerprinting.
This is used to make a specific pattern of DNA bands unique to individuals to help with
identifying the culprit. PCR detects microbial contamination in water and is used in
biodiversity studies to monitor species in many ecosystems to provide insights on ecological
health and changes.
Gel Electrophoresis
It separates DNA molecules of varied sizes and allows us to analyse the results of a PCR
experiment. It is used to safeguard the quality of food products. It is also used to detect the
impurity and concentration of antibiotics and vaccines. The separation of molecules in the
technique is based on charge and the cross-section of the molecules in the state it is in. Gel
