Last Minute Lecture

Biotechnology & Synthetic Biology | Chapter 12 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms Welcome to Last Minute Lecture . This post summarizes Chapter 12 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms , which introduces the powerful world of microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology. Discover how scientists manipulate microbial DNA to create everything from recombinant proteins and vaccines to synthetic genomes and gene drives. 🎥 Watch the full podcast summary here: This chapter is critical for understanding modern molecular biology, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy. Core Tools of Genetic Engineering PCR amplifies DNA exponentially Gel electrophoresis separates DNA/RNA by size Nucleic acid hybridization detects specific sequences Molecular cloning inserts DNA into vectors Restriction enzymes and ligases enable splicing Recombineering : homologous recombination editing Common hosts: E. coli, B. subt...

DNA Tools and Biotechnology — Gene Editing, PCR, and Genetic Engineering Explained | Chapter 20 of Campbell Biology Welcome to Last Minute Lecture! This post explores the groundbreaking tools and techniques of DNA technology and biotechnology, as detailed in Chapter 20 of Campbell Biology . Discover how scientists manipulate and analyze genetic material through methods like CRISPR-Cas9, PCR, DNA sequencing, and gene cloning, and see how these advances impact medicine, agriculture, forensics, and more. Watch the full video summary below and subscribe for clear, chapter-by-chapter biotechnology insights! Introduction: Biotechnology in the Genomic Era Biotechnology harnesses the power of DNA tools to understand, edit, and apply genetics in practical ways. These technologies have revolutionized science, enabling precise genetic modifications, rapid DNA analysis, and transformative medical and agricultural solutions. DNA Sequencing and Gene Cloning DNA Sequencing: Determi...

Gene Expression — Transcription, Translation, and Mutations Explained | Chapter 17 of Campbell Biology Welcome to Last Minute Lecture! This post covers gene expression, the fundamental process by which genetic information flows from DNA to protein, as detailed in Chapter 17 of Campbell Biology . Explore the central dogma, transcription, translation, mutations, and cutting-edge gene-editing technologies. Watch the full video summary below and subscribe for clear, chapter-by-chapter molecular biology guides! Introduction: The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology Gene expression describes how the genetic code in DNA is ultimately used to build proteins. The central dogma—DNA → RNA → Protein—summarizes the flow of genetic information in all living organisms, linking genotype to phenotype. Transcription: DNA to mRNA Transcription: RNA polymerase reads a DNA template, synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA Processing in Eukaryotes: Addition of a 5′ cap, poly-A tail, and...