8.9.16 Lecture Flashcards
What are restriction enzymes?
Restriction enzymes cleave double stranded DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.
The nucleotide sequences at which restriction enzymes cleave are often ___.
Palindromic
Restriction enzymes can cut in two ways - describe these.
Symmetrically (creates blunt ends) and asymmetrically (creates sticky ends, which can base pair)
DNA fragments can be ___ to produce new combinations.
Ligated
___ can join DNA fragments cut with the same restriction enzymes.
Base pairing
Describe the process of creating recombinant DNA.
- Restriction enzyme cuts DNA at the recognition sequence, creating 2 sticky ends.
- DNA fragment from another source is added and fragments stick together by base pairing (annealing).
- DNA ligase covalently seals the cut sites, creating recombinant DNA.
A DNA fragment can be inserted into a bacterial ___ with DNA ligase.
Plasmid
What is a plasmid?
Double-stranded DNA molecule that is separate from and can be replicated independently of chromosomal DNA.
Describe the process of incorporating DNA into a plasmid.
- Cut open the plasmid with a restriction nuclease
- Mix the cut plasmid with the DNA fragment to be cloned. Note that this fragment is prepared with the same restriction nuclease.
- DNA ligase and ATP are added.
- The ends base pair and DNA ligase seals the nicks in the backbone with covalent bonds.
Describe the process of amplification with plasmids and bacteria.
- Insert the fragment of DNA into the plasmid vector
- The recombinant plasmid is introduced into a bacterium through transformation.
- The bacterium replicates millions of times, creating many copies of plasmid.
- Lyse the bacteria and collect the purified plasmid.
Recombinant DNA can be used to produce clinically relevant proteins. Describe how this works and give two examples.
Some plasmids contain the appropriate genetic elements to force transcription and translation of the inserted DNA fragment. Cells can be forced to produce large quantities of proteins. Examples include insulin, human growth hormone, taxol, cellulose, factor VIII.
How does gel electrophoresis work?
- Cut wells in the gel.
- Submerge the gel in buffer (maintains pH, contains necessary ions)
- Apply a current
- DNA (negatively charged) runs toward the anode (positive end)
Gel electrophoresis can separate DNA by size. Smaller molecules run ___ down the gel.
Further
What type of gel is used for short DNA molecules (
Polyacrylamide gel
What type of gel is used for large DNA molecules (>50,000 base pairs)?
Pulsed-field agarose-gel electrophoresis
Complementary nucleic acid strands can bind to each other through nucleic acid ___.
Hybridization
How is DNA denatured?
Heat or high pH (alkali solution)
What is Southern blotting?
Combines electrophoresis and hybridization to detect a specific DNA molecule within a complex mixture.
How does Northern blotting differ from Southern blotting?
Northern blotting is for detecting RNA sequences