Part+1

= = **Genomic Library **
 * Describe:** A genomic library is a complete set of plasmid clones, each of which contain multiple copies of a DNA segment from a foreign genome.


 * Analyze:** DNA molecules of an organism of interest are divided up into different lengths, each can contain one or more gene. These segments are elements that are ready to be cloned. They are then inserted into a cloning vector like a plasmid or phage. Genomic libraries contain DNA sequences found in specific genomes. This process uses restriction enzymes and ligase.


 * Apply:** Genomic libraries can be used to compare genes in healthy and unhealthy organisms to determine what could have led to certain mutations. Researchers can learn more about genomic structure and function through genomic libraries.


 * Synthesize:** Genomic libraries make me think of actual libraries that contain thousands of books. In a genomic library each "book" is a clone of the bacterial cell. In libraries the books are separated into certain topics and categories just like the DNA is separated out in the parts of a genomic library.


 * Argue:** This is a positive thing in biology because it helps researchers closely study the huge amount of DNA in certain organisms. It's important to know about this because scientists can then look at specific parts of an organisms gene and figure out what causes mutations and disease that are present in that organism.

Genomic Library Tutorial


 * Sources:** AP Biology textbook, http://www.iscid.org/encyclopedia/Genomic_Library, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-genomic-library.htm

**Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) **

**Describe:** Polymerase Chain Reaction is a quick and selective method for preparing large quantities of a specific gene. This process is very similar to gene cloning. PCR is done in test tubes and only takes a few hours to complete, whereas gene cloning takes a few weeks. **Analyze:** PCR takes place with only a few tools needed. The parts that are needed are two primers, which will attach to a template, polymerase to attach everything together and extra nucleotides to complete the DNA strands. Polymerase Chain Reaction is made in three steps that all occur at different temperatures. Denaturation is the first step and takes place at 201.2 degrees Fahrenheit. In this step the double-stranded DNA is heated up in order to separate it into single-stranded DNA. The second step is called annealing and takes place at 129.2 degrees Fahrenheit. During this step the single-stranded DNA is cooled to allow for the primers to line up along the template and create hydrogen bonds. The last step is extension and takes place at 161.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Nucleotides are added to each primer on the single strands. The result is a new double-stranded DNA.

**Apply:** Just like genetic engineering can be used to help treat and cure disease and illness so can PCR, it's just a faster and easier way of getting it done. Polymerase Chain Reaction is used in forensic investigations, especially fingerprinting. It can take a small sample of blood, hair or other specimen and multiply it to be used as evidence. This very important method is also used in the evolutionary field of biology. In this field it is used to establish relationships between certain species.

**Synthesize:** When I think of the process of PCR, it reminds me of the process of replication of DNA. It reminds me of that because in both processes DNA is separated and then a complementary strand is built. The result of both is a new double-stranded DNA.

**Argue:** PCR is a very positive thing in the field of biology. It is a fast, easy, selective way to amplify a specific sequence within a DNA sample. It's important to know about this method because it will save scientists and researchers a lot of time and money if they need multiples of a certain part of DNA.

Polymerase Chain Reaction Animation

**Sources:** AP Biology textbook, http://www.medicinenet.com/pcr_polymerase_chain_reaction/article.htm, http://www.enotes.com/forensic-science/pcr-polymerase-chain-reaction


 *  Gene Cloning with Bacterial Plasmids **

**Describe:** Plasmids are circular DNA in Bacteria. They are manipulated to have a certain gene and then they are cloned, meaning multiple copies of it will be made.

**Analyze:** Gene cloning occurs when a restriction enzyme cuts out a segment of DNA from another cell's gene. The restriction enzyme then opens up the plasmid and the DNA is then attached to the sticky ends of a plasmid. Ligase makes this bond permanent. The plasmid enters certain bacteria and causes transformation. The new gene in the plasmid is then cloned every time bacteria goes through binary fusion.

**Apply:** Gene cloning can be used in Agriculture. A specific gene can be inserted into crops to kill bugs and insects when they try to eat it. Scientists can manipulate other cells as well so they will make certain proteins. For example, they have created human Insulin but inserting the gene into bacteria so that lots of Insulin can be produce.

**Synthesize:** This process reminds me of a garden. Many of the same kind of fruits or vegetables, comes from just one seed just like many cloned genes can come from the one gene in a bacteria.

**Argue:** This both a good and bad thing. It is good because it allows Scientists to fight diseases and create needed organs for people who are waiting for them. In agriculture, it allows farmers to have their strongest animals and crops less likely to get diseases. It may be a bad thing though, as unknown genetic mutations may end up taking place and also, there will be less genetic diversity.

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**Sources:** AP Biology Textbook __[][|,] []__


 *  Nucleic Acid Hybridization **

**Describe:** A nucleic acid probe is the complementary molecule that is a short, single-stranded nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA. Hybridization is the interaction of two or more complementary strands of nucleic acids into one hybrid.

**Analyze:** First denaturation of the DNA takes place when double stranded DNA is heated in an aqueous solution and then separates into two single strands. In DNA renaturation, the singles strands reform a double helix. Hybridization will then occur between two of the any single-stranded nucleic acid molecules, such as DNA to DNA, RNA to RNA, or DNA to RNA. This will only happen though if they have complementary nucleotide sequences.

**Apply:** Scientists can use this to figure out genetic rearrangements or gene transfer in natural communities.

**Synthesize:** This process reminds me of transcription because the double stranded DNA has to be a single strand in order the both of the processes to take place. In transcription a complementary RNA strand will be made, and a complementary DNA or RNA strand binds to the single strand in nucleic acid hybridization.

**Argue:** This is a positive thing because researchers can detect populations without prior culturing of the organisms, detect multiple populations in the same analysis, and changes in gene organization and the regulation of gene expression in nature is possible.

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[|http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nucleic+acid+hybridization, http://www.jstor.org/pss/1941005]
 * Sources:** AP Biology Textbook,

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