What is DNA?
- It is a very large molecule
- It resides inside every cell
of every living being.
DNA is like an
instruction manual
for building living
things.
Jurrasic Park!
Extracted DNA from Dinosaur blood.
Added Dinosaur DNA to frog cells.
What could you get (in theory)?
Genetic Engineering
Genes are sections of
DNA that code for a
specific characteristic.
We can take a gene
from one organism
and add it to another.
How can you get pure DNA out of the cell?
Through Chemistry!
We make a mixture.
We dissolve the DNA.
We separate the mixture from the solution.
We precipitate the DNA from solution.
Sound familiar?
Instructions
1. Put strawberry into plastic bag and mush.
2. Add 10 mL of extractant solution and mix
well.
Think: What’s happening to the DNA?
3. Filter the mixture into a test tube (no
more than half full!)
4. Carefully add Isopropanol. Do NOT mix!
5. Gently stir until you see thin white strands
form.
What is cloning?
Clones are identical
copies of living things.
Humans have cloned a
lot of things already.
- A sheep called Dolly
- An extinct animal.
- Lots of cattle