9.1 Cloning and Genetic Engineering

This is the first video covering Chapter 9: Biotechnology. In this video, 9.1: Cloning and Genetic Engineering, we look at how nucleic acids can be isolated from cells for the purposes of further analyses by breaking open the cells and enzymatically destroying all other major macromolecules. Fragmented or whole chromosomes can be separated on the basis of size by gel electrophoresis. DNA can be cut (and subsequently re-spliced together) using restriction enzymes. The molecular and cellular techniques of biotechnology allow researchers to genetically engineer organisms, modifying them to achieve desirable traits.