You have isolated a genomic clone with an EcoRI fragment of 11 kb that encompasses the CRABS CLAW gene (see Problem 18). You digest the genomic clone with HindIII and note that the 11-kb EcoRI fragment is split into three fragments of 9 kb, 1.5 kb, and 0.5 kb.

Does this tell you anything about where the CRABS CLAW gene is located within the 11-kb genomic clone?

Key Concepts

Restriction Enzymes

Restriction enzymes, like EcoRI and HindIII, are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences. Understanding how these enzymes work is crucial for analyzing DNA fragments, as they help determine the size and number of fragments produced from a genomic clone. In this case, the digestion of the 11-kb EcoRI fragment with HindIII reveals the organization of the DNA and the potential location of genes within that fragment.

Genomic Cloning

Genomic cloning involves isolating and amplifying a specific segment of DNA, which can include entire genes or regulatory regions. The 11-kb EcoRI fragment containing the CRABS CLAW gene is a genomic clone that allows researchers to study the gene's structure and function. Analyzing the fragments produced by restriction digestion can provide insights into the gene's location and its surrounding genomic context.

Fragment Size Analysis

Fragment size analysis is a technique used to determine the sizes of DNA fragments generated by restriction enzyme digestion. In this scenario, the 11-kb EcoRI fragment is split into three smaller fragments (9 kb, 1.5 kb, and 0.5 kb) after HindIII digestion. By comparing these sizes, researchers can infer the relative positions of the CRABS CLAW gene and other elements within the original genomic clone, aiding in mapping the gene's location.