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Biotechnology Toolkit Workflow

Run the Biotechnology Toolkit Workflow MicroSim Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

This interactive workflow diagram compares two major biotechnology pipelines side by side: traditional gene cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Hover over any node to learn about each tool's purpose, mechanism, and role in the experimental workflow.

The diagram highlights three shared tools (PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing) that connect both pipelines, showing that these are not isolated techniques but rather integrated steps in modern molecular biology.

How to Use

  1. Hover over any node in the flowchart to see a detailed description in the right panel
  2. Follow the arrows down each track to understand the logical sequence of steps
  3. Notice the dashed lines connecting the two tracks — these show shared tools used by both approaches
  4. Compare the two pipelines: cloning inserts a gene into a vector for replication, while CRISPR edits a gene directly in the genome

Key Concepts

  • Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific recognition sequences
  • PCR amplifies target DNA regions (shared by both workflows)
  • Gel electrophoresis separates and visualizes DNA fragments (shared)
  • DNA ligase joins DNA fragments into recombinant molecules
  • CRISPR-Cas9 makes targeted double-strand breaks guided by RNA
  • NHEJ vs. HDR are two repair pathways with different outcomes
  • DNA sequencing verifies the final product (shared)

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

9-12 (AP Biology)

Duration

10-15 minutes

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of DNA structure and base pairing
  • Familiarity with transcription and translation
  • Basic knowledge of enzymes and their specificity

Activities

  1. Exploration (5 min): Students hover over each node in both tracks, reading about each tool's function
  2. Comparison (5 min): Students identify the three shared tools (purple nodes) and explain why these tools appear in both workflows
  3. Assessment (5 min): Students answer: "If you wanted to knock out a gene, which pathway would you use and why? What if you wanted to produce large quantities of a protein?"

Assessment

  • Can students explain the purpose of each tool in the correct sequence?
  • Can students identify which tools are shared between gene cloning and gene editing?
  • Can students predict which workflow is more appropriate for a given experimental goal?

References

  1. Recombinant DNA - Wikipedia
  2. CRISPR Gene Editing - Wikipedia
  3. Polymerase Chain Reaction - Wikipedia
  4. Gel Electrophoresis - Wikipedia
  5. Restriction Enzyme - Wikipedia