Applications of DNA Technologies (14.1) Flashcards
State what gene cloning allows scientists to produce
Exact copies of the gene of interest
Outline the product of gene cloning
Many copies of a specific gene
State the 2 techniques of gene cloning
- in vivo
2. in vitro
State what molecules are involved in the in vivo gene cloning technique
Involves the use of restriction enzymes, ligases and vectors
Outline the aim of the in vivo gene cloning technique
Incorporation of desired gene into DNA of a living organism
State whether or not the original gene taken from one organism will express the same protein as the host organism
Yes
State why a gene taken from one organism will synthesise the same protein in another organism
DNA code is universal
State what is employed for the in vitro gene cloning technique
PCR
Outline the aim of the in vitro gene cloning technique
Used to produce multiple copies of a specific gene in a solution
State the advantage of obtaining the complete DNA sequences of different species is for scientists
Enables evolutionary relationships between species to be refined
Describe social implications
Those that may affect people’s financial position, lifestyle and reproductive decisions.
Describe biological implications
Those relating to organisms used in and affected by the technology.
Provide 4 social implications of gene technologies
- Reduced cost of therapeutics made with bacteria
- Wider access to treatments
- Employment opportunities in biotechnology industry
- Misuse for non-therapeutic purposes
Provide 3 biological implications of gene technologies
- Human recombinant proteins more effective that proteins purified from other animals
- Risk of contamination by bacterial molecules
- New, safer vaccines possible
Provide 2 ethical implications of gene technologies
- Use of bacteria for therapeutics addresses philosophical, cultural or religious objections to animal use
- Manipulation or shifting of genes may be seen as unethical, regardless of purpose
Describe vectors
A vehicle used to transfer foreign DNA into a cell
Provide 3 groups of common vectors employed in molecular biology
- Plasmid
- Virus
- Liposome
Describe gene therapy
Application of cloning technology in medicine
State into where genes are inserted into an individual to correct or replace the defective gene function that leads to disease
Cells or tissues
State why genes are inserted into an individual’s cells or tissues under the process of gene therapy
To correct or replace defective gene function that leads to disease
State 2 classifications of specialised vectors
- Viral vectors
2. Liposomes
Describe viral vectors
Vectors which naturally insert genes into cells
Provide 1 example of a viral vector
Small non-pathogenic virus that can enter a wide variety of human cells and is able to insert DNA into a defined region of a chromosome
Describe liposomes
Very small phospholipid vesicles that can diffuse across plasma membranes or enter cells by endocytosis
State the big ethical/moral questions surrounding gene therapy
Should gene therapy be permitted for germ line cells?
Provide 3 social implications of gene therapy
- Increased life span and quality of life
- Equity of access
- Changing expectations of medical intervention
Provide 3 biological implications
- Immune response to viral vector
- Gene insertion and possible effects on other genes
- Somatic cells vs germ line cells
Provide 3 ethical implications
- Survival into reproductive years
- Influence on heritable characteristics
- Selection of disorders to treat ( - who chooses?)
