• Question: can you copy DNA from every cell, or only from certain cells?

    Asked by noag to Amelia on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Amelia Markey

      Amelia Markey answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Good question!

      This enzyme will copy DNA from any cell (providing the cell contains DNA).

      The enzyme was originally taken from a bacteriophage (this is a virus that infects bacteria!). It uses this enzyme to copy DNA by a method called “rolling circle amplification” this means that the DNA is arranged in a circle and the enzyme goes round the circle again and again copying the DNA as it goes.

      Some researchers showed that you can also use this enzyme to copy linear DNA (DNA that is in a straight line like in humans).

      This has its own problems that I could be copying any DNA that has got into my tube, not just the DNA I want to copy! That’s why my device is really important as nothing can get into it or out of it so I can be sure I’m only copying the DNA I want.

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