Gene technology tools and methods — A/L Biology

What must I remember about Gene technology tools and methods?

• Recombinant DNA technology involves isolating, cutting, joining, and transferring genes into host organisms using molecular tools.
• Restriction endonucleases: Bacterial enzymes that cleave double-stranded DNA at specific palindromic recognition sequences, generating sticky or blunt ends (e.g., EcoRI).
• Cloning vectors: DNA molecules that carry foreign gene inserts into host cells; plasmids and bacteriophages possessing an origin of replication (ori), selectable markers (antibiotic resistance genes), and multiple cloning sites.
• DNA Ligase enzyme forms phosphodiester linkages between vector and insert DNA fragments.
• Key analytical techniques: Gel electrophoresis (separates DNA fragments by size/charge through agarose gel), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction amplifies DNA using Taq polymerase), and DNA sequencing.

Test yourself (1 minute)

1. Gel electrophoresis mobility

   DNA is negatively charged (due to phosphate groups) and migrates towards the positive anode (+); smaller fragments travel fastest and farthest through the agarose matrix.

2. PCR thermal cycle steps

   Denaturation (94-96°C, separates strands), Annealing (50-65°C, primers bind complementary sequences), Extension (72°C, thermostable Taq polymerase synthesizes new strands).

3. Reverse transcriptase application

   Synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from mature mRNA templates to clone eukaryotic genes without non-functional introns into prokaryotic expression vectors.

Practise Gene technology tools and methods questions today

Source: NIE G.C.E. (A/L) Biology Syllabus & Resource Book, Unit 7

What should I study first?

What comes next?

Next in the syllabus

Where does Gene technology tools and methods fit in the syllabus?

Year 1 · Term 2