Technology or method
Recombinant DNA
DNA joined from different sources, the starting point of genetic engineering and of medicines such as recombinant insulin.
Biotech Lab
A sourced timeline from the double helix to CRISPR therapies, eight technologies labeled established or emerging, and a PCR model.
Step 6 of 7LabTimeline and explorer
How this step works
- Open the Biotech Lab and work through it at your own pace.
- Come back here and mark the lab as done.
Lab XP is earned once per lab. If another path includes the same lab, finishing it here counts there too.
Concepts you will meet
Technology or method
PCR
The polymerase chain reaction copies a chosen stretch of DNA millions to billions of times.
Technology or method
DNA sequencing
Reading the order of the bases in DNA, from single genes to whole genomes.
Technology or method
CRISPR
A bacterial immune system that researchers adapted into a programmable tool for cutting chosen DNA sequences.
Technology or method
Gene editing
Making targeted changes to DNA in living cells. Newer base and prime editors change letters without cutting both strands.
Emerging researchOpen in Biotech LabTechnology or method
Gene therapy
Treating disease by adding, repairing or switching off genes in a patient's cells.
Emerging researchOpen in Biotech LabTechnology or method
mRNA vaccines
Vaccines that deliver mRNA instructions for a pathogen protein. Modified nucleosides help the mRNA avoid an unwanted immune alarm.
Technology or method
Synthetic biology
Designing and building new biological parts, circuits and systems.
Emerging researchOpen in Biotech LabEthics and safety
Biosafety
Risk-based practices and containment that protect people and the environment when working with biological agents.