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Biology
DNA Cloning: Making Copies of Genes

DNA Cloning: Making Copies of Genes

Biology Grades High School 11:07 Video

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Lesson Description

Explore the process of DNA cloning, including restriction enzymes, plasmids, and the use of bacteria to create multiple copies of desired genes. This lesson aligns with the Khan Academy video on DNA cloning and recombinant DNA.

Video Resource

DNA cloning and recombinant DNA | Biomolecules | MCAT | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 11:07

Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

DNA cloning
Restriction enzymes
Plasmids
Recombinant DNA
Antibiotic resistance as a selection marker

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to describe the process of DNA cloning.
Students will be able to explain the role of restriction enzymes in cutting DNA.
Students will be able to define plasmids and their function in DNA cloning.
Students will be able to describe how bacteria are used to amplify DNA and manufacture proteins.
Students will be able to explain the concept of antibiotic resistance in bacterial selection during cloning.

Educator Instructions

Introduction (5 mins)
Begin by asking students what they know about cloning. Briefly discuss the difference between organism cloning and DNA cloning. Introduce the Khan Academy video.
Video Viewing (15 mins)
Play the Khan Academy video "DNA cloning and recombinant DNA | Biomolecules | MCAT | Khan Academy." Instruct students to take notes on the key steps and components of the DNA cloning process.
Discussion (15 mins)
Facilitate a class discussion about the video. Use the discussion questions below to guide the conversation.
Activity: DNA Cloning Diagram (20 mins)
Have students create a flow chart or diagram illustrating the steps of DNA cloning. This can be done individually or in small groups. Encourage them to label all key components (DNA, restriction enzymes, plasmids, bacteria, antibiotic resistance gene).
Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
Review the key concepts of DNA cloning and administer the multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank quiz.

Interactive Exercises

Restriction Enzyme Cut Site Simulation
Use an online simulation (if available) or a paper-based activity to demonstrate how restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences. Students can 'cut' DNA sequences and then 'paste' them into a plasmid using complementary overhangs.

Discussion Questions

What is the purpose of DNA cloning?
How do restriction enzymes work?
What is a plasmid and why is it important in DNA cloning?
Why is antibiotic resistance used in the DNA cloning process?
How can cloned genes be used to produce proteins like insulin?

Skills Developed

Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Scientific communication
Visual representation of scientific concepts

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the primary purpose of DNA cloning?

To create identical copies of a DNA fragment

To destroy unwanted genes

To create new species of bacteria

To repair damaged DNA

Correct Answer: To create identical copies of a DNA fragment

Question 2:

Which of the following enzymes is used to cut DNA at specific sequences?

DNA ligase

Restriction enzyme

Polymerase

Helicase

Correct Answer: Restriction enzyme

Question 3:

What is a plasmid?

A type of bacteria

A circular piece of DNA used as a vector

A protein that cuts DNA

A type of antibiotic

Correct Answer: A circular piece of DNA used as a vector

Question 4:

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA that has been replicated many times

DNA that has been cut by restriction enzymes

DNA that contains genes from two or more different sources

Damaged DNA that needs to be repaired

Correct Answer: DNA that contains genes from two or more different sources

Question 5:

What is the purpose of using bacteria in DNA cloning?

To destroy the DNA

To replicate the plasmid and the inserted gene

To create antibiotics

To prevent contamination

Correct Answer: To replicate the plasmid and the inserted gene

Question 6:

What is the role of DNA ligase in DNA cloning?

To cut the DNA

To paste the gene into the plasmid

To replicate the DNA

To protect the DNA from damage

Correct Answer: To paste the gene into the plasmid

Question 7:

Why is a gene for antibiotic resistance often included in the plasmid?

To kill the bacteria

To make the bacteria easier to see

To select for bacteria that have taken up the plasmid

To prevent mutations

Correct Answer: To select for bacteria that have taken up the plasmid

Question 8:

What is a heat shock used for in DNA cloning?

To kill the bacteria

To make the bacteria glow

To encourage bacteria to take up the plasmid

To denature the DNA

Correct Answer: To encourage bacteria to take up the plasmid

Question 9:

Where does a plasmid exist in a bacterial cell?

Inside the cell's nucleus

Integrated into the bacterial chromosome

Outside the chromosome in the cytoplasm

Attached to the cell membrane

Correct Answer: Outside the chromosome in the cytoplasm

Question 10:

After bacteria have successfully cloned a gene of interest, what can they be used to produce?

Antibiotics

More bacteria cells only

The protein encoded by the cloned gene

Restriction enzymes

Correct Answer: The protein encoded by the cloned gene

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The process of making identical copies of a piece of DNA is called DNA _________.

Correct Answer: cloning

Question 2:

_________ _________ are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Correct Answer: Restriction enzymes

Question 3:

A _________ is a circular piece of DNA used as a vector to carry a gene of interest.

Correct Answer: plasmid

Question 4:

DNA _________ is used to join the DNA backbone together.

Correct Answer: ligase

Question 5:

_________ are commonly used to replicate plasmids.

Correct Answer: Bacteria

Question 6:

A _________ _________ is given to bacteria to encourage them to take up the plasmid.

Correct Answer: heat shock

Question 7:

The gene for _________ _________ is used to select for bacteria that have taken up the plasmid.

Correct Answer: antibiotic resistance

Question 8:

DNA that contains genes from two or more different sources is known as _________ DNA.

Correct Answer: recombinant

Question 9:

The colonies that grow on the agar plate with antibiotics contain bacteria that have taken up the _________.

Correct Answer: plasmid

Question 10:

The cloned gene within the bacteria can be used to produce a desired _________.

Correct Answer: protein

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS3.1:Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. B.LS4.1:Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Teaching Materials

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