DNA libraries: Making a BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) library
- Type:
- Flash animation
- Age level:
- 17-18 yrs +
- Topic area:
- BAC Libraries, DNA libraries, biotechnology, recombinant DNA
- Description:
An overview of the techniques involved in making a BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) library. The animation covers four key stages in the process:
- Extracting DNA from white blood cells and use of restriction enzymes to "cut up" DNA fragments
- Gel electrophoresis to separate and select DNA fragments by size
- Creating BAC clones using recombinant DNA techniques; inserting DNA fragments into vectors and transferring in to host bacterial cells
- Selection of the clones for the library
This animation can be used to support teaching or recombinant DNA techniques in the classroom.
Running the animation:
- You can run the animation in two different ways:
- Browser: Launch the animation from this page by clicking the icon below.
- Standalone: This animation may be downloaded and run without internet access - see Support Materials.
- Technical information:
- Adobe Flash player plugin is required to run this animation from the browser.
- There is no audio with this animation.
[Flash v8, 408kB]Support Links:
Related items:
Curriculum links:
This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum.
Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.
Web links:
Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on DNA, gene s and genomes.
Related videos:
Short interview clips with leading scientists in the field of genomics answering some key questions on the BAC libraries. These can be used in conjunction with the animation to stimulate discussion in class or to help answer any questions that may arise.
