Chemicals which modify existing bases of DNA and cause incorrect pairing. Intercalating agents areb ase pair analogs which intercalate between bases, r esulting in addition or loss of a base pair. Lead to frame shift mutations. Mutations within genes responsible for editing lead to high frequency of mutations throughout the genome. Transposable elements can insert into a chromosome, excise themselves out of the chromosome, or copy themselves into new locations.
Transposition is mediated by enzymes, such as a transposase.
Several of this week's gene manipulations are exemplified by the article on overexpressed angiopoietin in a transgenic mouse. This technique separates molecules on the basis of their size. Cast slab of gel material, usually agarose or polyacrylamide. The gel is a matrix of polymers forming sub-microscopic pores. The size of the pores can be controlled by varying the chemical composition of the gel.