8.4 Gene Technologies Flashcards
What is meant by recombinant DNA technology
The transfer of DNA fragments from one organism to another
Why does recombinant DNA technology work
Because the genetic code is universal, and therefore transcription and translation occur by the same mechanism and results in the same amino acid sequence across organisms
Summarise the process of using reverse transcriptase to produce DNA fragments
mRNA that is complementary to the target gene is used as a template. It is then mixed with free nucleotides which match up to their base pairs, and reverse transcriptase which forms the sugar-phosphate backbone, to create cDNA. (Complementary DNA)
Summarise the process of using enzymes to produce DNA fragments
Restriction endonucleases (RE) cut DNA at specific sequences. Different REs cut at different points but one RE will always cut at the same sequence. Therefore using REs allows you to cut out a certain gene of interest
In which two ways can we amplify DNA fragments
In vitro/ polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
In vivo/ using host cells
Describe the reaction mixture in the first stage of PCR
The mixture contains the DNA fragment to be amplified, primers that are complementary to the start of the fragments, free nucleotides to match up to exposed bases, and DNA polymerase to create the new DNA
Summarise the process of amplifying DNA fragments using PCR
- Heated to break apart DNA strands
- Cooled to allow primers to bind
- Heated again to activate DNA polymerase and allow free nucleotides to join
- New DNA acts as template for next cycle
Summarise the process of inserting a DNA fragment into a vector
A plasmid (circular DNA from bacteria) is used as the vector, and is cut using the same restriction enzymes as the DNA, so that the ends are complementary. DNA ligase joins the fragments and plasmids together
Summarise the process of inserting a vector into a host cell
Process known as cell transformation. The host cells (bacteria) are mixed with the vectors in an ice-cold solution, then heat shocked to encourage the cells to take up the vectors. The cells can then be grown and the DNA fragment will be cloned
Summarise the process of identifying transformation cells
Marker genes e.g. coding for fluorescence can also be inserted into vectors along with the DNA. When cells begin to grow, UV light can be used to identify which cells have taken up the vector and which haven’t
How can DNA probes be used to locate specific alleles?
The probe is designed so that it’s sequence is complementary to the allele you want to find. They are labelled, amplified using PCR, then added to a sample of single stranded DNA. The probe will bind if the allele is present
Give some applications of DNA probes
To screen someone’s DNA for a particular heritable health condition
To identify a gene for use in genetic engineering
To predict how someone will respond to a drug
What is the purpose of DNA hybridisation?
To measure the degree of difference between two strands of DNA. Can be used to compare someone’s DNA to a certain gene to see if they have it
Summarise the process of DNA hybridisation
One DNA strand is labelled and mixed with an unlabelled comparison strand. The more similar the strands, the more strongly they will bind, and more energy will be required to break the strands apart
What are the benefits of genetic profiling?
Can identify heritable diseases very early, and therefore begin to treat them before symptoms develop, reducing impact on the individual. Treatment can also be personalised to make it more effective
