Molecular Biology 1 – *Recombinant DNA*
Scientists have taken advantage of plasmids to use them as tools to clone, transfer, and manipulate genes. Plasmids that are used experimentally for these purposes are called vectors. Researchers can insert DNA fragments or genes into a plasmid vector, creating a so-called recombinant plasmid. This plasmid can be introduced into a bacterium by way of the process called transformation. Then, because bacteria divide rapidly, they can be used as factories to copy DNA fragments in large quantities.
To understand how the acquisition of a new gene changes the phenotype of a cell, students will investigate recombinant DNA techniques. This will require that they gain an understanding of how restriction enzymes work and how they are used to achieve sites specific cleavage of DNA; what technique is used to induce uptake of plasmid DNA by E. coli cells, resulting in a changing cellular phenotype; and how to isolate plasmid DNA from the E. coli cells that harbor it.
Students will learn about DNA configuration, chromosomes and plasmids, DNA properties and extraction, spectrophotometry and DNA quantification, recombinant DNA, restriction enzymes, restriction maps and other DNA reactions.
Students will learn important molecular biology techniques, including: Lab safety, aseptic techniques, bacterial isolation, and Gel Electrophoresis.
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