Genetics - Paper Cloning Exercise

Paper Cloning Exercise

Teacher: Patricia Colbert-Cormier
Subject: Biotechnology
Grade Level(s): 10 11
Target Audience: Genetics
Materials Needed: colored paper, scissors, tape
Class Time: 45 minutes
Brief Summary: Student are allowed to learn the function of restriction enzymes in recombinant techniques before doing the actual lab.
Student Objective(s): Students are expected to recognize palindromes, the function of restriction endonucleases and learn the manipulation involved in recombinant DNA techniques.
Integration (tying it all together): Students will be able to not only visualize the size of the genome while learning about the DNA molecule, its sequences, and the role it plays in protein synthesis, but also recognize the importance of the base sequences in protein synthesis and manipulation of genes in studying genetic disorders, food technology, agriculture, alimony lawsuits and forensics.
Description of Activities: Students are given the "Paper Cloning Exercise" which includes background information about recombinant DNA techniques. Each students receives a set of instructions, colored paper representing the three DNA's used, a pair of scissors (restriction endonuclease), and scotch tape (ligase). The students isolate each DNA and using the restriction sites indicated in the instructions, cut and recombine (ligase) the DNA fragment thus making a recombinant DNA molecule which would generate a recombinant vaccine.
Further Information and References: Achberger, Eric, Paper Cloning Exercise, LSU 1989. Atlas, R.M., Genetic Engineering, pp 223-231 from Microbiology: fundamental and Applications, 2nd ed. MacMillan, New York, 1988.

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