Biotechnology Models
Last name:
First name:
For each of the following sections, write the UNDERSTANDINGS, APPLICATION, or SKILLS and answer the questions IN
YOUR NOTES. The links are posted on the Wikipage so you don’t have to worry about any typing errors in finding the
links.
UNDERSTANDING: PCR can amplify small amounts of DNA.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/
Do the activity and summarize the process of PCR.
List two circumstances which would benefit from producing mass amounts of a sample of DNA.
UNDERSTANDING: Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins/fragments of DNA by size.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
What force moves the DNA through the gel?
Which fragments of DNA move the farthest distances? Why?
Which fragments of DNA move the shortest distances? Why?
UNDERSTANDING: DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA
APPLICATION: Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/forensics/
List two examples of the effective uses of DNA profiling.
SKILL: Analysis of examples of DNA profiles (criminal cases and paternity tests).
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education/body/create-dna-fingerprint.html
http://www.dnai.org/d/index.html?m=1
Do the two interactives and explain how DNA profiles are read.
Reflect on your successes or write down questions that you have regarding the process.
APPLICATION: Gene transfer to bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase.
http://www.dnalc.org/view/15476-Mechanism-of-Recombination-3D-animation-with-with-basic-narration.html
Watch the video and define the roles of:
 Restriction endonucleases
 DNA ligase
UNDERSTANDING: Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species.
http://www.iptv.org/exploremore/ge/what/insulin.cfm
How has understanding this process helped human society?
APPLICATION: Production of cloned embryos by somatic-cell nuclear transfer
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/clickandclone/
Clone the mouse! Outline the steps involved.
What are some ethical issues of therapeutic cloning of humans?
APPLICATION: Assessment of the potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops.
Create a table in your notes fill it with:
 At least one environmental, one health, and one agricultural benefit to GM crops.
 At least one environmental, one health, and one agricultural risk to GM crops.
You can get this information from the 3.5 reading.
SKILL: Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.
Answer questions 1-7 on page 195 about monarch butterflies and bT corn.