[27] Metabolic Engineering Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Metabolic Engineering (ME)?

A

A practice of optimizing genetic and regulatory processes within cells to increase the cells’ production of a certain substance.

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2
Q

What is the goal of ME?

A

To design and engineer the metabolism of microorganisms in order to enhance production of a certain substance.

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3
Q

What kinds of substances does ME target?

A

Chemicals, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, and other materials.

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4
Q

What process does ME typically utilize?

A

Genetic engineering techniques.

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5
Q

What role does systems biology play in ME?

A

It provides the data and understanding of metabolic pathways necessary for ME.

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6
Q

How is ME applied in industry?

A

It’s used to produce industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and to create new biological systems.

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7
Q

What can ME contribute to the environment?

A

The development of sustainable technologies.

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8
Q

Why is ME important for the production of biofuels?

A

It can increase the yield and reduce the cost of production.

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9
Q

What is the first step in ME?

A

Identifying and understanding the metabolic pathway related to the production of the desired substance.

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10
Q

What is a metabolic pathway?

A

A series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell.

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11
Q

What is the role of enzymes in metabolic pathways?

A

They act as catalysts for the chemical reactions.

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12
Q

What kind of microorganisms are typically used in ME?

A

Bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

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13
Q

What is a significant challenge in ME?

A

The complexity of metabolic networks and unintended effects of genetic modifications.

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14
Q

How does genetic modification work in ME?

A

Genes that code for specific enzymes in the metabolic pathway are inserted, deleted or altered.

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15
Q

Why are multi-enzyme systems important in ME?

A

They can increase the rate of production of the desired substance.

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