[20] Cre-Lox Recombination

Question 1

Define “Cre-Lox Recombination”.

Answer 1

A system used for controlling gene expression, allowing specific genes to be turned on or off.

Question 2

What is Cre in the context of Cre-Lox recombination?

Answer 2

An enzyme (Cre recombinase) that catalyzes recombination between two LoxP sites.

Question 3

Define “LoxP”.

Answer 3

A specific DNA sequence that is recognized by the Cre recombinase.

Question 4

What is the role of Cre recombinase in Cre-Lox recombination?

Answer 4

It facilitates the recombination of DNA between two LoxP sites.

Question 5

Why is the Cre-Lox system significant in genetics?

Answer 5

• Allows for targeted gene editing
• Enables gene deletion or insertion
• Facilitates tissue-specific genetic manipulation

Question 6

How is Cre-Lox recombination used in the creation of transgenic organisms?

Answer 6

It’s used to control where and when a specific gene is activated or deactivated.

Question 7

How does Cre-Lox recombination contribute to the study of gene function?

Answer 7

By allowing researchers to control gene expression, they can better understand the role of specific genes.

Question 8

How does Cre-Lox recombination help in disease research?

Answer 8

It allows for the creation of disease models by enabling the manipulation of gene expression in specific tissues or at specific developmental stages.

Question 9

What is a “floxed” gene?

Answer 9

A gene that has been flanked by LoxP sites and is thus a target for Cre recombinase.

Question 10

What happens to a “floxed” gene when Cre recombinase is present?

Answer 10

The gene can be removed or altered, depending on the setup of the Cre-Lox system.

Question 11

What are the applications of Cre-Lox recombination?

Answer 11

• Studying gene function
• Generating animal disease models
• Controlling gene expression in a spatial or temporal manner

Question 12

What are conditional knockouts and how are they related to the Cre-Lox system?

Answer 12

Conditional knockouts are organisms in which a specific gene can be inactivated at a specific time or in specific tissues using the Cre-Lox system.

Question 13

Initials - DNA

Answer 13

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Question 14

What is the relevance of DNA in the context of Cre-Lox recombination?

Answer 14

DNA sequences (LoxP sites) are the target of the Cre recombinase, allowing for gene editing.

Question 15

What is a Cre driver line?

Answer 15

A line of organisms engineered to express Cre recombinase in specific tissues or at specific times.

Question 16

What is the function of a reporter gene in the context of the Cre-Lox system?

Answer 16

A reporter gene can be used to identify where and when the Cre recombinase is active.

Question 17

How can Cre-Lox recombination be used to create gene knockouts?

Answer 17

By using Cre to excise a floxed gene, rendering it nonfunctional.

Question 18

How can Cre-Lox recombination be controlled or regulated?

Answer 18

By placing the Cre gene under the control of a tissue-specific or inducible promoter.

Question 19

What are the limitations or challenges associated with the use of the Cre-Lox system?

Answer 19

• Unwanted recombination events
• Incomplete recombination
• Possibility of Cre toxicity

Question 20

What is Cre toxicity?

Answer 20

Potential detrimental effects caused by high levels of Cre recombinase activity.