Activity 1: PCR Test

Discuss how PCR may be used for the detection of disease-causing pathogens in a population
during the COVID Pandemic.

-PCR is a technique used in laboratories to detect specific genetic materials such as pathogens.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, PCR has been used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2,
the virus that causes COVID-19, in samples collected from individuals suspected of having the
disease. Samples are being collected through swab test. The viral RNA is extracted from the
sample. Then, specific primers are added that will bind to regions of the viral RNA that are
unique to SARS-CoV-2. The process of PCR involves amplifying small amounts of genetic
material from a pathogen, such as the virus that causes COVID-19, to levels that can be easily
detected. This is done by using a specific enzyme called DNA polymerase to repeatedly copy
a specific region of the pathogen's genetic material, such as the virus's RNA.

Discuss how the cloning and expression of certain genes allows for massive production of the
desired product.

- Cloning and expression of certain genes can allow for massive production of the desired
product by creating many copies of the gene of interest and using them to produce the protein
or other product encoded by the gene. The process of gene cloning begins by isolating a specific
gene from a cell or organism. Once the gene is isolated, it can be inserted into a plasmid. This
plasmid is then introduced into a host organism, such as bacteria, yeast or even plant or animal
cells. Once inside the host organism, the plasmid replicates along with the host's DNA,
producing many copies of the inserted gene. This is called recombinant DNA. The next step is
the expression of the cloned gene. The host organism is induced to transcribe the cloned gene
into RNA and translate it into a protein or the desired product. This can be achieved by adding
specific signals to the plasmid, such as promoters and enhancers, that will control the
expression of the cloned gene.
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