Testing for genetic variations using Quantitative PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction)

Introduction

In this investigation you will perform genetic testing to identify individuals with differing numbers of functional genes. This can have significant effects on the amount of particular proteins that are synthesised and consequently on the ability to metabolise certain prescription drugs. You will also compare different human populations and so recognise the impact this has on designing safe and effective drugs. To do this you will use a laboratory technique called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Carefully reading the text and watching the video clips will help you answer in-text questions designed to consolidate your learning of the key concepts. For those students in Scotland working on the Curriculum for Excellence [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] this experiment links to both Higher Biology and Higher Chemistry as follows:

Curriculum for Excellence Higher Biology

Working through the experiment and associated background material will revise and consolidate some key areas in the ‘DNA and the genome’ Unit in addition to understanding PCR itself. It is designed to be carried out sometime after Topic 2 ‘Gene expression’ has been studied (rather than immediately after PCR in the course support notes) and it may be helpful to have also covered mutations in Topic 3 ’Genome’.

Curriculum for Excellence Higher Human Biology

Working through the experiment and associated background material will revise and consolidate some key areas in Topic 2 ‘Structure and function of DNA’ in the ‘Human Cells’ Unit in addition to understanding PCR itself. It is designed to be carried out sometime after Topic 2 has been studied.