2.7 Genetic control of metabolism Flashcards
How can a wild strain of microorganism be improves
Mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology
What is mutagenesis
Exposure to UV light and other forms of radiation to improve a strain of microorganism
What is recombinant DNA technology used for
To transfer genes between organisms or even different species through the use of recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes
What is recombinant DNA technology
The transfer of genes from one species to another
What is a vector
DNA that is used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell
Name 2 examples of vectors
Plasmids and artificial chromosomes
Why are artificial chromosomes more preferable over plasmids in RDT
Larger fragments of foreign DNA can be inserted
What are the three stages on RDT
- Gene for a desirable characteristic is identified 2. DNA is spliced into the DNA of a vector 3. Vector is inserted into a host cell
What does the enzyme restriction endonuclease do
It cuts open plasmids and specific genes out of chromosomes and leaves sticky ends
Why is the complementary sequence in a vector cut open
To allow the DNA sequence of the required gene to be placed in
What happens when restriction endonuclease cuts open the plasmid and the gene from the chromosome
Complementary sticky ends are produced
What does ligase do
Seals the sticky ends of the required DNA fragment to the sticky ends in the vector
What 4 things do vectors contain
Restriction sites, regulatory sequences, an origin or replication and selectable markers
What do regulatory sequences do
Control gene expression
What is the origin of replication
A group of genes that allows self-replication of the plasmids artificial chromosomes
