Genetic Engineering Help

[crazybrain68]

Hi,

 

I am doing a project for my college genetics class on the genetic engineering of bacteria. I understand the basic process, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any sources that go into more detail?

 

Thanks

[CharonY]

One of the best hands-on books is Sambrook and Maniatis: Molecular Cloning. It does not only deal with bacteria, though.

[cameron marical]

genetic engineering on wikepedia is pretty good.

 

way off topic.

anyone know how much a good microscope is?

is it possible to make one instead?

[crazybrain68]

Prices of microscopes vary depending on the quality (ie if you are looking at a high school level microscope or research level). I guess I am asking what are you going to be using it for?

[cameron marical]

well, id like to be able to look at cells and things along those sizes, but something tells me that those are quite expensive. can it be done with optical microscopes?

whats the smallest thing you can see with the average optical microscope?

[Peron]

I am also writting a report, and have a question, can the body engineer itself?

[crazybrain68]

I am not sure what you mean by "engineer itself", could you elaborate?

[Peron]

I am not sure what you mean by "engineer itself", could you elaborate?

 

I mean, can the body genticaly engineer itself? With out intervention from humans?

 

For example, like computer software that changes itself, to become better.

 

Can the body do that?

[crazybrain68]

From what it sounds like to me, you are essentially describing evolution, though when talking about evolution, I believe you avoid using words like "better".

[Mr Skeptic]

I am also writting a report, and have a question, can the body engineer itself?

 

There are random mutations, though that wouldn't count as engineering.

 

The body is in large part built on a "use it or lose it" philosophy, so that bones that are stressed are strengthened, and muscles that are used grow stronger, etc. These changes could count as the body engineering itself, but do no change genetics so would not be genetic engineering.