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Scientists can make the proteins they need outside of living cells (in vitro).
To do this they use cell free protein synthesis kits.
The kit includes three different parts:
- A template DNA molecule
- An extract from bacteria containing mRNA and tRNA nucleotides
- A master mix containing amino acids, energy sources, enzymes and ribosomes.
To make a protein the three different parts are mixed together and incubated for 3 hours at 30°C.
Thirty years ago, identifying a person from their DNA required a large sample of DNA.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique developed in 1983.
PCR allows a single copy or segments of DNA to quickly make multiple copies of a DNA sequence.
Explain why.
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DNA databases are used by many different organisations.
Solving crimes is one use of a DNA database.
Suggest other reasons why organisations might need a DNA database.
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