Sex Determination using PCR - Essay Example

However, both mechanisms can sometimes be used collectively (Pinkert, 2002; pg. 63). Sex determination in mammals and birds often involves activation of specific genes obtained from the male chromosomes (Gordon, 2004; pg. 291). The SRY gene extracted from the Y chromosome is the gene used in mammalian sex determination. The protein encoded by SRY often determines the differentiation of the testis in the early embryo. Therefore, the absence of this protein will lead to the early development of gonads into ovaries but not testes (Womack, 2012; pg. 91). In most cases, the SRY gene usually encodes high mobility group (HBG) protein that contains both DNA binding domains and nuclear localization signals (Galindo, Loher, and Hauser, 2011; 1031).

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionized technique in the molecular biology that is often deployed to determine the sex of the developing embryo. This process usually uses enzyme, DNA polymerase to replicate DNA pieces (Gordon, 2003). The PCR process is only possible with the DNA templates are exponentially amplified that lead to series of multiplication of the available DNA pieces (Pinkert, 2002; 37). Thus, PCR is a sure way of detecting the absence or presence of particular DNA pieces towards sex classification The objective for the experiment is to develop a basic, but efficient, reliable, and accurate protocol for sex determination in cattle based on the genes of amelogenin (AMELX/AMELY) and using PCR sex determination technique.

Additionally, the experience is to determine the superiority and efficiency of the PCR techniques in relation to the band pattern techniques. Pegged on the genes of the amelogenin that was located on the conservation regions of X and Y-chromosomes, two or a pair of primers were designed, and PCR system established to exponentially amplify