How Gene Manipulation Occurs

How Gene Manipulation/Engineering Occurs

By: Megan Kang

Gene manipulation is the use of different methods in order to manipulate the genetic cells (DNA) to change hereditary traits. Scientists use different techniques to extract DNA from cells to cut DNA into smaller pieces. They inspect the smaller pieces to identify the sequence of bases in the molecule and to make unlimited copies of DNA. There are several steps in Gene Manipulation. Extracting the DNA, cutting the DNA, separating the DNA, reading the sequence, cutting and pasting, and copying.

DNA Extraction

Through a simple chemical procedure, the cells are opened and the DNA is separated from the other parts. Then the DNA is extracted.

Cutting DNA

Since DNA molecules are too large, it is difficult to analyze it as a whole. Restriction enzymes cuts the DNA into smaller fragments so that it becomes easier too analyze. Each restriction enzymes cut the DNA sequence at a specific nucleotide sequence.

Separating DNA / Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis analyzes and separates the fragments by size. A mixture of DNA fragments are placed at one end of a gel and with electric power the negatively charged DNA molecules move toward the positive end of the gel. The small the fragment, the faster and farter it move

Transgenic Organisms

These organisms contain genes from another species. With the techniques of genetic engineering, a gene from one organism is inserted into cells from another organism. These cells can then be used to grow new organisms.