From selective breeding in agriculture to animal cloning and the production of recombinant proteins, science continues to develop ways to modify the genetic code. This program spotlights the basic tools and techniques for manipulating DNA and how these are also used to investigate genetic functions. Viewers will learn about the coding and non-coding sections of DNA; the basics of PCR or the polymerase chain reaction; the use of viral vectors and plasmids in order to transfer DNA; and the various types of cloning, including molecular, cellular, and nuclear. Ethical questions arising from genetic engineering and the manipulation of DNA are also discussed. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (28 minutes)