So far in the genetic engineering journey we have learnt how to isolate or produce a DNA fragment, and amplify it in vitro using PCR. Transforming bacteria is a method to amplify a DNA fragment in vivo (in a living organism), and to engineer bacteria to produce a protein. In this article we will look... Continue Reading →
Producing DNA Fragments – Gene Technologies Ep 1
This article begins a new series about gene technologies. Many gene technologies, especially recombinant DNA technologies, begin with the need to isolate or make DNA fragments. We will look at three different ways that this can be achieved. Restriction endonuclease enzymes This method allows DNA fragments to be "cut out" of existing DNA. Restriction endonucleases,... Continue Reading →
Transcription and Splicing – Genes to Proteins Ep 2
Transcription is the first stage of protein synthesis. It transcribes a DNA base sequence into a messenger RNA (mRNA) base sequence. In eukaryotic cells, DNA is found in the nucleus so that is where transcription occurs. In prokaryotic cells it happens in the cytoplasm because the DNA is not contained in a nucleus. In this... Continue Reading →
RNA – Biological Molecules Ep 2
Most people have heard of DNA, but ribonucleic acid (RNA) is its lesser known cousin. They have many similar features, but quite different functions. There are different types of RNA, the three main types being messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). If you have been following the cell organelle series, you... Continue Reading →
