DNA Extraction: Analyzing Genes, Genome & Biotechnology Applications

This assignment delves into the concept of DNA extraction, differentiating between genes and genomes and their roles in biotechnology. It compares selective breeding with modern biotechnology, highlighting their similarities and differences in achieving desired phenotypic traits in plants and animals. The assignment further explores the application of genetic engineering to improve specific traits in mangoes, such as resistance to hairy root disease, extended shelf life, and resistance to browning after being cut. Specific genes like rolB from Agrobacterium rhizogenes and yeast genes coding for spermidine are discussed in the context of achieving these improved traits. The assignment concludes with a reference list of relevant research articles. Desklib provides students access to similar solved assignments and resources for in-depth study.

Running head: DNA EXTRACTION
Questions related to DNA extraction
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1DNA EXTRACTION
Answer 1
Gene refers to the unit of heredity that is made up of DNA, which occupies a specific
position on the chromosome. A gene can be defined as molecular units of heredity, present in all
living organisms. The genes have the primary function of storing relevant the information that
helps to maintain and build the cells in an organism, thereby subsequently transferring the
genetic traits to their offspring. In other words, genes act as heredity elements that help in
determining the characteristic features or traits that are inherited from the parents during
reproduction. On the other hand, a genome is defined as group of all genes that are comprised of
haploid set of chromosomes. The genome refers to the complete set of DNA present in an
organism, including all the genes (Xiwen, et al. 90;157-166). It is primarily composed of DNA
and RNA (in case of viruses). All genes along with the non-coding regions are present in the
genome of an organism.
A specific gene is isolated in biotechnology when cloning experiments are performed.
The process of recombinant DNA technology that involves crop resistance includes the
procedure of isolating genes from plants that produce Bt protein.
The genome is isolated in biotechnology during sequencing for the bacterial isolate
genome database.
Answer 2
Similarities:

2DNA EXTRACTION
Both modern biotechnology and selective breeding have the primary objective of
developing particular phenotypic characters or traits in plants and animals that will enhance their
survival and commercial value.
Both the processes determine if the specific traits are suitable to evolve in response to
natural selection
Differences:
Selective breeding Modern biotechnology
This can often be unintentional This is most often a pre-determine and
planned procedure
The results can often be unintentional or
undesirable
The genetic engineering procedure is
implemented in a way to achieve desirable
results (Honghong, and Lizhong 65;715-741)
It is better for traits such as, behaviour and
physiology that are difficult to measure
(Meyer, Rachel and Michael 14;840)
It is better for traits or features that are
directly measurable such as, genetically
modified seeds or resistance to insects
A single breeding experiment cannot be used
for assessing an entire group of variations
A single genetic engineering helps to asses
the variations in the entire group (Bonawitz,
Nicholas and Clint 24; 336-343)
Cannot be used on many organisms due to
their maintenance in a greenhouse or lab
(Garnett, et al 341;33-34)
Can be used for a range of plants, animals,
and microorganisms

3DNA EXTRACTION
Answer 3
The fruit selected is Mango. The three traits are as follows:
1. The mango plant will not have hairy root disease. The hairy root disease is incited by the
Agrobacterium rhizogenes, which in turn worsens the plant’s growth and physiological
condition. Resistance to this disease will be beneficial.
2. They will have longer shelf life. Fungi attack often leads to decay in the mango fruits
during storage. This trait will keep them fresh for a long time.
3. The pieces will be resistant to browning after being cut. Mangoes turn brown after being
peeled or cut, and lose their vibrant orange/yellow colour. Non-browning mangoes will
appear fresh.
The rolB gene isolated from Agrobacterium rhizogenes will prevent hairy root disease
(Sharma, Padh, and Shrivastava 13;62-75). Longer shelf life in mangoes can be obtained by
adding the yeast gene that codes for spermidine, a polyamine (Champa, Harindra, et al 91;57-
63).

4DNA EXTRACTION
References
Bonawitz, Nicholas D., and Clint Chapple. "Can genetic engineering of lignin deposition be
accomplished without an unacceptable yield penalty?." Current opinion in biotechnology24.2
(2013): 336-343.
Champa, WA Harindra, et al. "Postharvest treatment of polyamines maintains quality and
extends shelf-life of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Flame Seedless." Postharvest biology and
technology 91 (2014): 57-63.
Garnett, Tara, et al. "Sustainable intensification in agriculture: premises and
policies." Science 341.6141 (2013): 33-34.
Hu, Honghong, and Lizhong Xiong. "Genetic engineering and breeding of drought-resistant
crops." Annual review of plant biology 65 (2014): 715-741.
Li, Xiwen, et al. "Plant DNA barcoding: from gene to genome." Biological Reviews 90.1 (2015):
157-166.
Meyer, Rachel S., and Michael D. Purugganan. "Evolution of crop species: genetics of
domestication and diversification." Nature reviews genetics 14.12 (2013): 840.
Sharma, Poojadevi, Harish Padh, and Neeta Shrivastava. "Hairy root cultures: a suitable
biological system for studying secondary metabolic pathways in plants." Engineering in Life
Sciences 13.1 (2013): 62-75.