Bioknowledgy
questioning, investigating and understanding
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  • Core
    • 1. Cell biology >
      • 1.1 Introduction to cells
      • 1.2 Ultrastructure of cells
      • 1.3 Membrane structure
      • 1.4 Membrane transport
      • 1.5 The origin of cells
      • 1.6 Cell division
    • 2. Molecular biology >
      • 2.1 Molecules to metabolism
      • 2.2 Water
      • 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids
      • 2.4 Proteins
      • 2.5 Enzymes
      • 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA
      • 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation
      • 2.8 Cell respiration
      • 2.9 Photosynthesis
    • 3. Genetics >
      • 3.1 Genes
      • 3.2 Chromosomes
      • 3.3 Meiosis
      • 3.4 Inheritance
      • 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
    • 4. Ecology >
      • 4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
      • 4.2 Energy flow
      • 4.3 Carbon cycling
      • 4.4 Climate change
    • 5. Evolution and biodiversity >
      • 5.1 Evidence for evolution
      • 5.2 Natural selection
      • 5.3 Classification of biodiversity
      • 5.4 Cladistics
    • 6. Human physiology >
      • 6.1 Digestion and absorption
      • 6.2 The blood system
      • 6.3 Defence against infectious disease
      • 6.4 Gas exchange
      • 6.5 Neurons and synapses
      • 6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
  • Additional higher level (AHL)
    • 7. Nucleic acids >
      • 7.1 DNA structure and replication
      • 7.2 Transcription and gene expression
      • 7.3 Translation
    • 8. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis >
      • 8.1 Metabolism
      • 8.2 Cell respiration
      • 8.3 Photosynthesis
    • 9. Plant biology >
      • 9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants
      • 9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants
      • 9.3 Growth in plants
      • 9.4 Reproduction in plants
    • 10. Genetics and evolution >
      • 10.1 Meiosis
      • 10.2 Inheritance
      • 10.3 Gene pools and speciation
    • 11. Animal physiology >
      • 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
      • 11.2 Movement
      • 11.3 The kidney and osmoregulation
      • 11.4 Sexual reproduction
  • Options
    • A. Neurobiology and behaviour >
      • A.1 Neural development
      • A.2 The human brain
      • A.3 Perception of stimuli
      • A.4 Innate and learned behaviour (AHL)
      • A.5 Neuropharmacology (AHL)
      • A.6 Ethology (AHL)
    • B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics
    • C. Ecology and conservation >
      • C.1 Species and communities
      • C.2 Communities and ecosystems
      • C.3 Impacts of humans on ecosystems
      • C.4 Conservation of biodiversity
      • C.5 Population ecology (AHL)
      • C.6 Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles (AHL)
    • D. Human physiology
  • BISV Revision
  • Giving back - BioKQQAnswers

Essential idea: Biologists have developed techniques for artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms.

There are a number of key techniques involved in the analysis of DNA and gene transfer. The image above shows nuclear transfer, the key step in cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Dolly the sheep was the first success clone using this technique of direct cell manipulation. SCNT remains a key part of genetic engineering as it allows patient specific embryonic stem cells to be created, a key step in the application of gene therapies in a patient.

Understandings, applications and skills

3.5.U1 Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size.
3.5.U2 PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA.
3.5.U3 DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA.
3.5.U4 Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species.
3.5.U5 Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell.
3.5.U6 Many plant species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning.
3.5.U7 Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells.
3.5.U8 Methods have been developed for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells.
3.5.A1 Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.
3.5.A2 Gene transfer to bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase.
3.5.A3 Assessment of the potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops.
3.5.A4 Production of cloned embryos produced by somatic-cell nuclear transfer. [Dolly can be used as an example of somatic-cell transfer.]
3.5.S1 Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem-cuttings. [A plant species should be chosen for rooting experiments that forms roots readily in water or a solid medium.]
3.5.S2 Analysis of examples of DNA profiles. [Students should be able to deduce whether or not a man could be the father of a child from the pattern of bands on a DNA profile.]
3.5.S3 Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.
[Text in square brackets indicates guidance notes]

Presentation and Notes

The presentation is designed to help your understanding. The notes outline is intended to be used as a framework for the development of student notes to aid revision.


Vocabulary

Correct use of terminology is a key skill in Biology. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary.


Activities

DNA Profiling
Develop a good understanding of DNA profiling by completing a paper modelling activity:
Find the CAT - DNA Profiling Worksheet by iBiology
Where's the CAT - A DNA Profiling Simulation by Ellen Mayo (Access Excellence)


Quick quiz

Quick quiz Use the BioK Quick Quiz on 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology (as directed) to check your understanding of the topic.

Weblinks

PCR
PCR virtual lab by learn.genetics
Manipulation techniques by DNAi
Polymerase Chain Reaction by Sumanas Inc.
Polymerase Chain Reaction by McGraw and Hill

Gel Electrophoresis

Paternity Testing by Sumanas Inc.
DNA Profiling
DNA Fingerprinting by Bozeman Science

Gene Transfer
Genetic engineering to produce insulin by ABPI

Nature of science

Assessing risks associated with scientific research—scientists attempt to assess the risks associated with genetically modified crops or livestock. (4.8)

Theory of knowledge

The use of DNA for securing convictions in legal cases is well established, yet even universally accepted theories are overturned in the light of new evidence in science. What criteria are necessary for assessing the reliability of evidence?


Read the Wasington Post article 'Convicted defendants left uninformed of forensic flaws found by Justice Dept.' to get an overview on forensic evidence as a whole.
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