Ch 20: Campbell Biology Chapter 20: DNA Tools and Biotechnology
About This Chapter
How It Works:
- Identify the lessons in the Campbell Biology DNA Tools and Biotechnology chapter with which you need help.
- Find the corresponding video lessons with this companion course chapter.
- Watch fun videos that cover the DNA tools and biotechnology topics you need to learn or review.
- Complete the quizzes to test your understanding.
- If you need additional help, rewatch the videos until you've mastered the material or submit a question for one of our instructors.
Students will learn:
- The Sanger DNA sequencing method
- The process of DNA cloning
- Features of DNA plasmids
- The function of restriction enzymes
- Reagents in polymerase chain reaction
- Steps in polymerase chain reaction
- Techniques for gene expression analysis
- Types of DNA technologies
- Properties and uses of embryonic and adult stem cells
- Applications of DNA-based biotechnology
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1. The Sanger Method of DNA Sequencing
The Sanger Method of DNA sequencing uses dideoxynucleotides to determine DNA sequencing. Explore the dideoxynucleotide structure, chain terminators, and how to interpret Sanger sequencing in this lesson.

2. DNA Cloning: Definition and Process
DNA cloning is when identical copies of DNA fragments are made. Understand the definition and process of DNA cloning and explore other cloning vectors.

3. What is a DNA Plasmid? - Importance to Genetic Engineering
DNA plasmid is a vital component of genetic engineering. Learn about DNA plasmids and the three characteristics, including multiple cloning sites, replication origin, and selectable markers, that make DNA plasmids so important in genetic engineering.

4. Restriction Enzymes: Function and Definition
Understand how restriction enzymes function. Learn about genetic engineering, the definition of a restriction enzyme, the recognition sequence, the palindromic sequence, and the sticky ends of single-strand DNA.

5. PCR: Reagents Used in Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a procedure that creates copies of DNA using reagents. DNA is amplified, and the amplified DNA regions are identified by other DNA pieces using reagents, such as template DNA and PCR primers, and other key parts of DNA, including nucleotides and tag polymerases. Learn about that process, including the different elements that makes conditions optimal for PCR to occur.

6. PCR: Steps Involved in Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory procedure that can create replicas of DNA. Explore the three steps of this revolutionary process: denaturation, annealing, and extension.

7. Techniques for Analyzing Gene Expression
Gene expression initiates gene regulation which allows DNA to be turned on and relay instructions to the cell so that it knows what to do next. Study the techniques for analyzing gene expression, including mRNA detection and DNA detection.

8. Using DNA Technology to Determine Gene Function
The human body is comprised of thousands of genes that have a variety of purposes, such as determining an individual's eye color. Learn about using DNA technology to determine gene functions such as in-vitro mutagenesis, RNA interference, and genome-wide association studies.

9. Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells: Uses, Origins & Properties
Stem cells are unspecified cells with the potential to differentiate into specific cell types. Discover what stem cells are, learn the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells, and explore how scientists use them to save lives.

10. Biotechnology Applications in Medicine & Genetics
DNA and genetics have practical uses in many fields. Learn about biotechnology applications in medicine and genetics. Review forensics and profiling, genetics and medicine, and agriculture and the environment to understand that DNA can be beneficial in a variety of ways.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Campbell Biology: Online Textbook Help course
- Campbell Biology Chapter 1: The Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry
- Campbell Biology Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life
- Campbell Biology Chapter 3: Water and Life
- Campbell Biology Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
- Campbell Biology Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules
- Campbell Biology Chapter 6: A Tour of the Cell
- Campbell Biology Chapter 7: Membrane Structure and Function
- Campbell Biology Chapter 8: An Introduction to Metabolism
- Campbell Biology Chapter 9: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
- Campbell Biology Chapter 10: Photosynthesis
- Campbell Biology Chapter 11: Cell Communication
- Campbell Biology Chapter 12: The Cell Cycle
- Campbell Biology Chapter 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
- Campbell Biology Chapter 14: Mendel and the Gene Idea
- Campbell Biology Chapter 15: The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
- Campbell Biology Chapter 16: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Campbell Biology Chapter 17: Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein
- Campbell Biology Chapter 18: Regulation of Gene Expression
- Campbell Biology Chapter 19: Viruses
- Campbell Biology Chapter 21: Genomes and Their Evolution
- Campbell Biology Chapter 22: Descent With Modification: A Darwinian View of Life
- Campbell Biology Chapter 23: The Evolution of Populations
- Campbell Biology Chapter 24: The Origin of Species
- Campbell Biology Chapter 25: The History of Life on Earth
- Campbell Biology Chapter 26: Phylogeny and the Tree of Life
- Campbell Biology Chapter 27: Bacteria and Archaea
- Campbell Biology Chapter 28: Protists
- Campbell Biology Chapter 29: Plant Diversity I
- Campbell Biology Chapter 30: Plant Diversity II
- Campbell Biology Chapter 31: Fungi
- Campbell Biology Chapter 32: An Overview of Animal Diversity
- Campbell Biology Chapter 33: An Introduction to Invertebrates
- Campbell Biology Chapter 34: The Origin of Evolution of Vertebrates
- Campbell Biology Chapter 35: Plant Structure, Growth, and Development
- Campbell Biology Chapter 36: Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants
- Campbell Biology Chapter 37: Soil and Plant Nutrition
- Campbell Biology Chapter 38: Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology
- Campbell Biology Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals
- Campbell Biology Chapter 40: Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function
- Campbell Biology Chapter 41: Animal Nutrition
- Campbell Biology Chapter 42: Circulation and Gas Exchange
- Campbell Biology Chapter 43: The Immune System
- Campbell Biology Chapter 44: Osmoregulation and Excretion
- Campbell Biology Chapter 45: Hormones and the Endocrine System
- Campbell Biology Chapter 46: Animal Reproduction
- Campbell Biology Chapter 47: Animal Development
- Campbell Biology Chapter 48: Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling
- Campbell Biology Chapter 49: Nervous Systems
- Campbell Biology Chapter 50: Sensory and Motor Mechanisms
- Campbell Biology Chapter 51: Animal Behavior
- Campbell Biology Chapter 52: An Introduction to the Ecology of the Biosphere
- Campbell Biology Chapter 53: Population Ecology
- Campbell Biology Chapter 54: Community Ecology
- Campbell Biology Chapter 55: Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology
- Campbell Biology Chapter 56: Conservation Biology and Global Change