01+Gene+Cloning+with+Bacterial+Plasmids

__** Description: **__

The bacteria E. Coli and the plasmids are circular in shape and are both made of DNA molecules. Together they make clones of the E. Coli cell that express that certain gene. The specific desired gene is inserted into the plasmid by restriction sites. The plasmid is now a recombinant DNA molecule which is the combination of DNA from two sources. The plasmid returns to the bacteria cell, making it a recombinant bacterium. The host cell, or the original (infected) cell is grown in culture and clones are made from it containing the gene of interest.
 * __ Analyze: __**

Scientists use gene cloning to make many copies of a specific gene that will produce a protein product. This can also be used in the medical field because doctors may need a special type of protein that's hard to come buy or they need it in bulk. So they these cells to produce their desired protein. This way they don't have to try and take it out of somebody or try to find it, they can just make it by means of cloning.
 * __ Apply It: __**

Gene cloning, truthfully, reminds me of the Clone Troopers on Star Wars. George Lucas decided to have people (or creatures you could say) clone a person so they have a whole army to fight in the war. They clone the person with the genetics they want so they will do their job well in army. It's kind of like modern day doctors, but this is science fiction but the concept is still the same.
 * __ Synthesize: __**

I think we should be doing this because we can make proteins that are hard or dangerous to come by. It will make doctors' jobs easier if they can just make the protein instead of trying to extract it from something.
 * __ Argue For Or Against It: __**

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Sources: AP Biology textbook, eighth edition Notes from Mrs. Andrus