Bio Technology Gallery

Grapevine genome sequencing

Grapevine genome sequencing. Data from a gelelectrophoresis experiment to sequence the PinotNoir grape ( Vitis sp. ) genome. This technique isused to separate, in sequence, nucleotide basesfrom DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fragments. DNAcontains 4 bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine andthymine), which are represented here by differentcolours. The DNA fragments are placed in a porousgel that has an electric current applied to it.The nucleotides move down the gel according totheir size. After the process has run the basesappear as bands on the gel. The sequences of basesmake up genes, which encode an organism's geneticinformation. Photographed at the AgriculturalInstitute of San Michelle all'Adige, Trento, Italy

© Mauro Fermariello/Science Photo Library

DNA fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting used to analyse family relationships. The photo shows an X-ray (or autoradiograph) of bands of DNA produced by the technique of electrophoresis in an agarose gel. The pattern of these DNA bands is unique to each individual, but some bands are shared by related people, such as a parent & child. DNA fingerprints can be used to prove conclusively whether people are related. The bands in these DNA fingerprints are marked M for mother, C for child, F for father. DNA fingerprinting for family identificat- ion has numerous applications, including cases of disputed paternity, or where immigrants to a country need to prove a family relationship

© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Cloned rabbits

Cloned rabbits. Female researcher holding cloned rabbits. A clone is a genetically identical copy of an organism. In cloning, the genetic material from the cell of the animal to be copied is implanted into an egg cell (ovum) from which the genetic material has been removed. Work at this centre, the Science and Production Bioengineering Livestock-Breeding Centre in Russia, includes cloning transgenic farm animals. These animals have other organisms genetic material inserted into their own to give them traits such as disease resistance or higher milk yields. They can also be used as a cheap way to produce medically-valuable substances and drugs. Photographed in 1999

© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY