DNA Analysis Techniques

Restriction Enzymes

• Enzymes that cut DNA strands at specific locations.
• Locations based upon short nucleotide sequences.
• Many restriction enzymes known.
• DNA chopped up by restriction enzymes can be reassembled with DNA ligase.
• Recombinant DNA can combine DNA from different organisms.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Allows many copies of a DNA sequence to be made.
• Uses special DNA polymerase from a hot-springs bacteria and temperature cycles.
• Heat separates DNA, slight cooling allows DNA polymerase to make a duplicate set of DNA.
• Repeat... 2x... 4x... 8x... 16x... 32x...

Gel Electrophoresis

• Allows separation of macromolecules (DNA) based on length and charge of molecule.
• Chop up sample with DNA restriction enzyme.
• Place in block of gel attached to high voltage.
• Pattern changes with changes of DNA fragments.