7. Genetic Control of Metabolism Flashcards
How can wild strains of microorganisms be improved?
Mutagenesis, selective breeding and culture or recombinant DNA
What can repeated culturing in particular conditions result in?
New strains by spontaneous mutation
How can some bacteria produce new strains?
They transfer plasmids or pieces of chromosomal DNA from the environment
In fungi such as yeast, why can sexual reproduction occur?
To exchange DNA between strains
How is genetic variation increased?
Recombinant DNA technology
What is used instead of bacteria for post-translational modifications?
Recombinant yeast
Why are plasmids considered vectors?
They carry DNA from donor to host
What is restriction endonuclease used for?
To cut out gene and its two short complementary stranded DNA ends - sticky ends
What s the same restriction enzyme used to do?
Cut open the plasmid to expose two sticky ends complementary to the gene’s sticky ends
What does the ligase do in gene transfer?
It seals the transferred gene in to the recombinant plasmid
What is the restriction site present on the plasmid?
The are ‘cut’ open by the restriction enzyme
What gene does the origin of replication contain?
The gene that controls the self-replication of the plasmid
What are marker genes used as and why?
They are used to act as recognisable tags to make cells that have take up the plasmid identified more easily
What type of genes are used to increase yields?
Genes that remove inhibitory controls or amplify specific metabolic steps
What genes are introduces as a safety mechanism?
Genes that prevent survival in external environment
