DNA Manipulation Activity: Scissors and Tape
What molecular processes do scissors and tape symbolize in this activity?
a) Scissors represent DNA replication, and tape represents RNA transcription.
b) Scissors represent DNA extraction, and tape represents gel electrophoresis.
c) Scissors represent DNA fragmentation, and tape represents DNA ligation.
d) Scissors represent DNA sequencing, and tape represents PCR amplification.
Answer:
In the context of DNA manipulation, scissors represent the process of DNA fragmentation, while tape symbolizes DNA ligation.
Scissors and tape are commonly used as symbolic representation of molecular processes in DNA manipulation activities. In this context, scissors represent the process of DNA fragmentation, which involves cutting DNA into smaller fragments. This process is typically carried out by restriction enzymes known as endonucleases.
On the other hand, tape symbolizes DNA ligation, which is the joining of these fragmented DNA pieces together. DNA ligase is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the DNA fragments to create a continuous strand.
Therefore, in the given activity, scissors represent DNA fragmentation and tape represents DNA ligation. This symbolic representation helps simplify complex molecular processes and aids in understanding the fundamental steps involved in DNA manipulation.