Unit 6 Reflection

This unit was about biotechnology. We learnt about how there are many ethical questions currently surrounding the biotechnology industry, because scientists and others are concerned about the ethics and values of each person about genetic engineering. Then, we learnt how scientist recombine DNA in bacteria. They take the plasmid and insert the gene into it. Then, they place the bacteria in broth to make them grow and place them in the antibiotic that the bacteria should have resistance to. All the bacteria without this gene/plasmid will die. To learn more about this concept, we did the recombinant DNA. We simulated restriction enzymes cutting out genes and placing them into plasmids with the Recombinant DNA lab.
To read more about it  click here:  http://revavaidyabiology.blogspot.com/2016/01/recombinant-dna-lab.html
Then, we learnt about the basic process of replication of DNA and analyzation. In order to reenforce the concepts we did the pGLO lab. We inserted plasmids into DNA by mixing certain bacteria with a solution with the GFP gene and moving it from cold to hot temperatures so it would absorb it. Only those with the GFP gene would glow.

Click here to read more:  http://revavaidyabiology.blogspot.com/2016/01/pglo-lab.html . However, before this we did the gel electrophoresis lab in class to get first hand experience on analyzing DNA. Click here: http://revavaidyabiology.blogspot.com/2016/01/candy-electrophoresis-lab.html. We learned how to use a micropipette to insert the DNA samples and references into the gel wells. In this lab, we did not use DNA, but instead used commonly color dyes from candies.

I feel that I understood this unit quite well, especially because of the labs. One thing that was difficult however, were the labs, because we had to be much more precise and careful, otherwise we would not get the desired results. This unit expanded on Unit 5 which was about DNA. I want to learn more about how do we use other forms of life other than bacteria in biotech. When will we be able to alter human DNA? Will it ever be widely used? Could this play a hand in evolution?

So far in relation to my New year's goals, I have not been very successful. I planned on studying a week and a half before tests, but am only studying 3 days before, or just on the weekend and then the night before.  I started making flashcards for all tests so I will have them to study for finals. I have also not been able to finish all my homework the day it is given: however, I have been more productive during tutorials.