Mountain DNA

Introduction: Not only do humans have 46 chromosomes but also each mitochondrian contains DNA. This DNA (mt DNA) contains only 37 genes which are all involved in the creation of energy. If one of these genes is diseased it effects the persons ability to generate energy and therfore is often tired. It is believed that mitochondria (which is bacteria) was taken up by the primitive human. The mitochondria could then feed off the helathy environment and help humans survive. Since mitochondria is bacteria, it has a higher rate of mutation. MtDNA has helped scientists trace history of humans. They used mtDNA polymorphisms to create a "family tree" and discovered that all humans come from a common ancestor. It is estimated that humans came from one ancestor around 200,000 years ago. The common ancestor became known as the "mitochondrial Eve". It is a reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve however, presents the idea that there was no male present. Scientists say there was no male present because mtDNA is it's passed on maternally, meaning the mother is the only contributor. MtDNA is also used in forensic biology especially when the DNA is extremely damaged. It has been used to identify unknown soldiers after the Vietnam war, identify the Romonov royal family, and determine the relationship of Neandertal reamins to modern humans. In our experiment we will be going through the same process as the last lab to discover whether or not we contain a certain gene in mtDNA.

My Biotech Expertise, Show I Carry the "Disease"

Introduction: DNA testing is a very helpful and useful procedure. As we did earlier in the year DNA testing can be used to find out whether or not a plant is genetically modified. Other uses include; identifying if someone has a certain disease, solving crimes with DNA at the scene, confirming relationships between family members and determining the paternity of a child. To test for the "disease" we must extract the DNA. The first step in DNA extraction is breaking open the membarne with a 95 degree water bath. Then to make sure our DNA is not killed, we use Instagene matrix beads to wipe out the DNAse.The next process, polymerase chain reaction, (PCR) replicates the DNA so we can identify whether or not the "disease" is present. PCR requires four ingredients, target DNA, nucleotides, the enzyme thermus aquaticus, and primers. The first step to PCR is applying heat so that the two DNA strands are seperated. Next, Taql and DNA polymerase are added along with two short lab made primers. The temperature is lowered and the primers bind by complementary base pairing. Taql DNA polymerase adds bases and creates a new strand. This process repeats and the DNA grows exponentially. The final process is gel electrophoresis. We must run a gel to analyze the results. There are three possibilities: 1. homozygous dominant-healthy 2. heterozygous-healthy 3. homozygous recessive-diseased!

Results/Observations: After running the gel we all hoped to not be the one who is found to have the "disease". After a day of waiting for our results the moment of truth rolled around and it was not pretty. I was found to be the only group member with the "disease" and with this realization came much emotional pain. I was homozygous recessive (2 diseased) making me "diseased". Of the remaining three members two were found to be heterozygous (1 diseased, 1 normal). Since the normal trait is dominant they turned out okay. The final member was homozygous dominant (2 normal) obviously making him not "diseased". Although I had to deal with the emotional pain I found the lab to be quite interesting and I learned a lot about the passing on of traits.