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Module 4: Molecular Genetics
Laboratory 13: Presentations
on molecular genetics
During this laboratory you will give a group presentation on one
of the following topics:
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Describe the life cycle of a bacterial virus such as Lambda,
and relate it to the life cycle of its bacterial host, such as E. coli.
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Who discovered the first restriction enzyme? How were
the first restriction enzymes discovered? How are restriction enzymes
named?
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If a scientist wants to study a particular DNA fragment (or
a particular gene), the scientist will first need to amplify the fragment so
that many many copies of it are available for analysis. One way to
amplify a DNA fragment is by cloning. Explain what gene cloning is and
how restriction enzymes and bacteria such as E. coli are used for
gene cloning.
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Another way to amplify a particular segment of a DNA
molecule is by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Explain how the
polymerase chain reaction works.
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Generally, if you digest DNA from a particular
species with a particular restriction enzyme you will always get the same
pattern (number and sizes) of fragments. Actually this is not quite
true. If you digest DNA from several individuals of the same species,
and you use enough different restriction enzymes, you will find occasional
differences in the restriction patterns among individuals. These are
called restriction fragment length polymorphisms or RFLPs. 1) Explain
what causes RFLPs. 2) One technique to detect RFLPs is called a
"Northern Blot". Describe and explain this technique.
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RFLPs are used to do DNA fingerprinting, a type of analysis
that is becoming widely used in forensics, criminal investigations, and
genetic screening for diseases. Describe the process of DNA
fingerprinting, give an example of its use in a criminal investigation, and
discuss the strengths and limitations of the technique.
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Describe how DNA fingerprinting is used to screen for
genetic diseases, and how restriction enzymes are used in the process.
Discuss the pros and cons of screening for genetic diseases. Who
should have access to this information?
Each group in you laboratory section will present on a different
topic, and these topics will be chosen two weeks prior to the
presentation. In preparing your presentation use whatever sources of
information you would like (textbooks, journal articles, popular magazines, the
internet, CD ROMs, etc.). Provide your TA with a precise list of the
information sources you used (titles and authors of articles, websites, etc.) on
the day of your presentation.
Help with this assignment is available from:
Your presentation grade will be based on the following criteria:
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Preparedness (3 pts) (Presentation within allowable time and
Participation)
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Knowledge of subject matter (8 pts) (Use correct
terminology, Proper examples, Ability to explain using a visual aid, and
General knowledge)
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Speaking ability (2 pts) (Clear and audible, and Make eye
contact)
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Ability to answer questions (2 pts)
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