Students construct paper recombinant plasmids to simulate the methods genetic engineers use to create modified bacteria. They learn what role enzymes, DNA and genes play in the modification of organisms. For the particular model they work on, they isolate a mammal insulin gene and combine it with a bacteria's gene sequence (plasmid DNA) for production of the protein insulin.

Find out about genetic engineering, and how scientists have found a way to insert new genes into bacterial DNA. [1:12]

Watch this narrated animation which explains a breakthrough procedure using the protein p53 to fight cancer. [1:01]

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe gel electrophoresis
Explain molecular and reproductive cloning
Describe biotechnology uses in medicine and agriculture

This learning video introduces high school students to a topic they would not ordinarily study in school, biotechnology, and to different applications of biotechnology that relate to the main theme of the module - making the desert greener. [21:18]

Students are introduced to the concept and steps of the engineering design process and taught how to apply it. Students first receive some background information about biomedical engineering (aka bioengineering). Then they learn about material selection and material properties by using a provided guide. In small groups, students learn of their design challenge (improve a cast for a broken arm), brainstorm solutions, are given materials and create prototypes. To finish, teams communicate their design solutions through class poster presentations.

In this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, scientists discuss a family of genes called FOXO that can significantly extend life span in worms—and in humans.

Recombinant DNA technology has made it possible to gain insight into how genes work. This concept is further developed in this article with an animated explanation, art gallery, audio/video interviews, biographies, and an interactive problem to solve. An exciting, interesting way to learn about rDNA!

This video from Nature offers a description of desirable traits in beef and dairy cattle.

In this video segment from Nature, learn about six different breeds of cattle.

In this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how molecules of DNA are separated using gel electrophoresis, and how this process enables scientists to compare the molecular variations of two or more DNA samples.

In this video excerpt from NOVA, learn about the advantages, disadvantages, and ethical implications of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, a technique used to screen embryos created through in vitro fertilization for diseases.

What are GMOs? How is genetic modification done? Can genetic modification help to reduce the impact of human activities on natural systems? Plasmids are DNA that determine the traits of bacteria. Transform bacteria by inserting a plasmid and examine the results of this transformation. Compare this process to the techniques currently used in food production.

This simulation introduces gel electrophoresis, a technique used to
separate biological molecules. In this simulation, gel electrophoresis is
used to separate dyes and visualize them in an agarose gel.

A video tutorial explaining the basics behind genetic engineering in the field of biotechnology. [4:09]

In this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how bacterial plasmids are engineered to clone or express genes that code for proteins such as human insulin.

This group of pages comprehensively covers the topic of cloning. There is an interactive section about how it's done, some history of cloning technology, important issues in cloning, and even an interactive quiz.

This video segment from the Secret of Life School Video: "On the Brink: Portraits of Modern Science" explores the genetics of breast cancer.