Engineering Nature: DNA Visualization and Manipulation

This unit presents technologies used to visualize the complex structures of biomolecules such as DNA and proteins, as well as DNA fingerprinting by gel electrophoresis, a DNA analysis technique used in forensic studies.

In the first lesson, "Imaging DNA Structure," students are introduced to imaging methods in current use and the challenges faced by biologists and biomedical engineers when trying to understand biomolecule structures. In the associated activity, students research specific imaging technologies with applications in biology and present their findings.

In the second lesson, "Restriction Enzymes and DNA Fingerprinting," students learn about electrophoresis applications for DNA fingerprinting. The associated hands-on activity illustrates the concept of electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting.

Visualization of small structures such as the molecular structures of complex proteins and genetic material (DNA) is possible due to engineering discoveries and breakthroughs in physics at small scales. Imaging technologies such as x-ray and scanning electron microscopy—used by scientists and engineers to image microscopic structures—are also used by biomedical engineers and biologists to study biomolecules, cells and tissue samples. Microfluidics concepts and devices used to study colloidal particle flow are also employed by biologists to study and filter biomolecules. Gel electrophoresis is one example engineering application that is used by biologists to compare fragments of DNA samples.