2.7 Flashcards
Wild strain
The most common variety of microorganisms that can be found
Qualities desired in wild strains of microorganisms include
- Genetic stability (does not mutate often)
- Grow on low cost media
- Produces lots of product
- Easy to obtain products
Mutagenesis is
The production of mutations
Exposing microorganisms to UV light and other forms of radiation or mutagenic chemicals results in
Mutations
If a wild strain doesn’t have the desired qualities they can be proved through
Mutagenesis and DNA recombinant technology
Some UV light and other forms of radiation or mutagenic chemicals will produce
An improved strain of microorganism
Recombinant DNA technology is
The transfer of gene sequences from one organism to another
Vector is
A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic information into another cell
Both plasmids and artificial chromosomes are used as
Vectors during recombinant technology
Artificial chromosomes are preferred as vectors when
Larger fragments of foreign DNA are required to be insterted
Stage 1 recombinant DNA technology
Restriction endonucleases cut open plasmids and specific genes out of chromosomes leaving sticky ends
Complimentary ends are produced when
The same restriction endonuclease is used to cut open the plasmid and the gene from the chromosome
Stage 2 recombinant DNA technology
Ligase seals the gene into the plasmid
Requirements for recombinant DNA technology
- Restriction endonuclease
- Restriction site
- Selectable marker genes
- Origin of replication
- Regulatory sequences
- Ligase
Restriction endonuclease is
An enzyme used to cut target restriction sites of DNA and open plasmids
Restriction site
Contains target sequences of DNA where specific restriction endonuclease cut
Selectable marker genes
e.g. antibiotic resistance genes protect the microorganism from a selective agent (antibiotics)
Selectable marker genes help
The microorganism to survive whilst other microorganisms which were not successful in DNA recombinant technology would die
Origin of replication
Allows self replication of the plasmid/artificial chromosome
Ligase
Seals the gene into the plasmid
Safety mechanism is
Genes are often introduced that prevent the survival of the microorganism in an external environment
Recombinant yeast cells are used as
Plant or animal recombinant DNA expressed in bacteria may result in polypeptides being folded incorrectly
