Genetic Engineering

• Genetic Engineering


  Manipulating genetic material (DNA) to achieve the desired goal in a pre-determined way
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)


  Multiplies the DNA exponentially for 25 to 75 cycles
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

  1. Cycle takes only a minute

  2. Each new segment of DNA that is made can serve as a template for new ones
• Kary Mullis


  Developed PCR
• Components of PCR


  • TAQ Polymerase (Thermus Aquaticus Polymerase)
  • Primers
  • Nucleotides
  • Thermal Cycler
  • PCR Tube
  • Temperature
  • DNA
• TAQ Polymerase


  • Heat-stable DNA polymerase extracted from the thermophilic bacteria Thermus aquaticus
  • Distributes the replicated DNA's bases
• Thermal Cycler


  Instrument used in PCR
• PCR Tube


  Small volume reduces the use of expensive reagents and allows rapid and efficient heating and cooling in a thermocycler
• Steps in PCR


  1. Denaturation (96 Celsius, Separating)

  2. Annealing (55-65 Celsius, Distributing new bases)

  3. Extension (72 Celsius, Part 2 of Annealing)