Life on Earth

Chapter 14
Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
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DNA Recombination in Nature
  • DNA recombination occurs naturally through processes such as sexual reproduction, bacterial transformation, and viral infection.
  • Recombination provides raw material for evolution.
  • There are both similarities and differences between recombination in nature and in the laboratory.

    Recombinant DNA Technology
  • A DNA library consists of DNA from a particular organism inserted into bacterial plasmids.
  • The genes of interest must be identified in the DNA library.
  • Selected DNA sequences in the library can be amplified.
  • Amplified genes can be used for research, industrial, medical, or agricultural purposes.

    Locating Genes
  • Restriction enzymes can be used to provide markers on a chromosome.
  • Restriction fragment length polymorphisms can be used to locate a gene.

    Sequencing Genes

    Reflections on the Ethics of Biotechnology
  • Some uses of biotechnology have social impacts.
  • Bioengineered organisms may be released into the environment.
  • Biotechnology may eventually allow alterations in human genomes.



  • PH Sower © 1997 by Prentice-Hall, Inc.
    Simon & Schuster/A Viacom Company
    Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

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