In this article we will discuss about the discovery and evolution of split genes. Discovery of Split Genes: During 1970, in some mammalian viruses (e.g. adenoviruses) it was found that the DNA sequences coding for a polypeptide were not present continuously but were split into several pieces. Therefore, these genes were variously named as split genes or introns, interrupted genes [...]
In this article we will discuss about the concept and units of genes. Concept of Gene: Although the role of hereditary units (factors) in transfer of genetic characters over several generations in organisms was advocated by Gregor John Mendel, yet the mystery of the 'hereditary units' was un-ravelled during early 1900s. In 1909, W. Johanson coined the term 'gene' that [...]
In this article we will discuss about the concept, steps and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Concept of PCR: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a simple and ingenious method for exponentially amplification of specific DNA sequences by in vitro DNA synthesis. This technique was developed by Kary Mullis at Cetus Corporation between 1983 and 1985. This technique has [...]