Restriction Enzymes
Kenneth Hampton | |
|Restriction Enzymes: |
|A study in Reactions and Mapping |
| |
|November 7, 2008 |
ABSTRACT
This experiment will study the manner in which restriction enzymes cleave DNA as a result of being able to identify specific molecules of DNA strands (Wiki 2008). Electrophoresis will help identify the cleavage sites so that they can be mapped and their respective distances from one another determined.
INTRODUCTION
Restriction enzymes are produced by bacteria and they are responsible for protecting DNA. They accomplish this by disabling unfamiliar DNA. This is accomplished by cleaving both strands of DNA in particular places called restriction sites (Wiki 2008). This restriction mechanism has become useful in helping scientist to identify where restriction sites are located on a strand of DNA. This knowledge is also helpful in analyzing and mapping genetic structures as well as in molecular cloning (Biotech 2008).
Agarose gel electrophoresis is an effective way of sizing the DNA to determine the number of base pairs. The microscopic pores inside of the gel allow molecules to travel through them according to their size and shape such that a smaller molecule will move faster and further through the gel. Restriction sites are generally 4-6 base pairs long and palindromic which allow the DNA strands to always correspond to one another (Biotech, 2008). The objectives of this particular study are to: • explore how restriction enzyme reactions work • observe how cleaved fragments are separated by electrophoresis • learn to map the cleavage sites • gain
|Restriction Enzymes: |
|A study in Reactions and Mapping |
| |
|November 7, 2008 |
ABSTRACT
This experiment will study the manner in which restriction enzymes cleave DNA as a result of being able to identify specific molecules of DNA strands (Wiki 2008). Electrophoresis will help identify the cleavage sites so that they can be mapped and their respective distances from one another determined.
INTRODUCTION
Restriction enzymes are produced by bacteria and they are responsible for protecting DNA. They accomplish this by disabling unfamiliar DNA. This is accomplished by cleaving both strands of DNA in particular places called restriction sites (Wiki 2008). This restriction mechanism has become useful in helping scientist to identify where restriction sites are located on a strand of DNA. This knowledge is also helpful in analyzing and mapping genetic structures as well as in molecular cloning (Biotech 2008).
Agarose gel electrophoresis is an effective way of sizing the DNA to determine the number of base pairs. The microscopic pores inside of the gel allow molecules to travel through them according to their size and shape such that a smaller molecule will move faster and further through the gel. Restriction sites are generally 4-6 base pairs long and palindromic which allow the DNA strands to always correspond to one another (Biotech, 2008). The objectives of this particular study are to: • explore how restriction enzyme reactions work • observe how cleaved fragments are separated by electrophoresis • learn to map the cleavage sites • gain
Cited: The Biotechnology Education Company. 2008 Oct. 8. Restriction Enzyme Reactions and Restriction Enzyme Mapping- Student Handout. Accessed 2008 Oct.6 – Nov. 5 Restriction enzyme. (2008, November 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 2008 Nov. 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Restriction_enzyme&oldid=249882969 ----------------------- 3640bp