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Biology 2 - C01 - 03
š§¬š1ļøā£ Module 1 Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA Technology 003
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Recombinant DNA Technology | The goal is to combine DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations for research, medicine, or biotechnology. |
| Recognition Sequence (Restriction Enzymes) | A short, specific DNA sequence (often palindromic) where a restriction enzyme cuts the DNA. |
| Viral Vector | A virus modified to carry foreign DNA into host cells for gene delivery or expression. |
| Origin of Replication (Ori) | A DNA sequence in a vector that allows it to replicate independently inside a host cell. |
| Selectable Marker | A gene in a vector (e.g., antibiotic resistance) that allows identification of cells that successfully took up the vector. |
| Multiple Cloning Site (MCS) | A short DNA region containing many restriction enzyme sites, allowing easy insertion of foreign DNA. |
| Reporter Gene | A gene that produces a visible or measurable product (e.g., GFP, LacZ) to indicate successful gene expression or cloning. |
| PCR: Denaturation | The step where DNA strands separate when heated to around 94ā98°C. |
| PCR: Annealing | The step where primers bind to target DNA at 50ā65°C. |
| PCR: Extension | The step where Taq polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands at around 72°C. |
| Role of Taq Polymerase | A heatāstable enzyme that builds new DNA strands during PCR. |
| Applications of PCR | Used for DNA amplification, diagnostics, forensics, cloning, and detecting pathogens. |
| How DNA Separates in Gel Electrophoresis | DNA fragments move through a gel toward the positive electrode; smaller fragments travel farther. |
| Role of Agarose in Electrophoresis | Agarose forms a porous gel matrix that separates DNA fragments by size. |
| Interpreting Gel Bands | Each band represents DNA fragments of a specific size; distance traveled indicates fragment length. |
| cDNA vs Genomic DNA (Difference) | cDNA contains only expressed genes (no introns), while genomic DNA includes introns and nonācoding regions. |
| When cDNA Is Used | Used when expressing eukaryotic genes in bacteria or studying gene expression. |
| Cloning Vector | A vector designed to carry and replicate foreign DNA but not necessarily express it. |
| Expression Vector | A vector that includes regulatory sequences to ensure the inserted gene is transcribed and translated into protein. |
| Role of Reverse Transcriptase | An enzyme that converts mRNA into complementary DNA (cDNA). |
| Screening vs Selection | Selection kills or inhibits nonātransformed cells; screening visually distinguishes colonies without killing them. |
| Example of Genetic Engineering: Bt Corn | Corn engineered to express Bt toxin, giving resistance to insect pests. |
| Example of Genetic Engineering: Insulin Production | Bacteria engineered with the human insulin gene to produce insulin for medical use. |