The U.S. Department of Justice has established a database that catalogs PCR amplification products from short tandem repeats of the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) in humans. The database contains polymorphisms of five U.S. ethnic groups (African-Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans) as well as the worldwide population.
Given that STRs are repeats of varying lengths, for example (TCTG)₉₋₁₇ or (TAT)₆₋₁₄, explain how PCR could reveal differences (polymorphisms) among individuals. How could the Department of Justice make use of those differences?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools
Genetic Cloning
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following lists the steps of genetic cloning in the proper order?
A
PCR → Restriction Enzyme Cutting → Ligate into a Vector → Placed into Organism
B
Restriction Enzyme Cutting → PCR → Ligate into a Vector → Placed into Organism
C
Ligate into a Vector → PCR → Restriction Enzyme Cutting → Placed into Organism
D
PCR → Ligate into a Vector → Restriction Enzyme Cutting → Placed into Organism

1
Understand the purpose of each step in genetic cloning: PCR is used to amplify the DNA segment of interest, restriction enzyme cutting is used to create compatible ends for ligation, ligation into a vector is to insert the DNA into a carrier molecule, and placing into an organism is to introduce the vector into a host for replication.
Identify the first step: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is typically the initial step to amplify the DNA segment that you want to clone.
Determine the second step: Restriction enzyme cutting is used after PCR to cut the DNA and the vector at specific sites to create compatible ends for ligation.
Identify the third step: Ligate the DNA fragment into a vector, which involves joining the DNA fragment with the vector using DNA ligase to form a recombinant DNA molecule.
Determine the final step: Place the recombinant vector into an organism, such as bacteria, to allow for replication and expression of the cloned DNA.
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Genetic Cloning practice set
