Bio chapter 15 Flashcards
(29 cards)
Why does it help scientists to know an organism’s DNA sequence? What could the knowledge be used for?
To better understand gene expression, agriculture, medicine, personal identification, etc
What is the entire DNA sequence of an organism called?
genome
What were the goals of the human genome project?
To sequence all 3 billion base pairs in human DNA Identifying all human genes
What is gel electrophoresis used for?
To separate DNA fragments based on size
How does the gel electrophoresis process work?
By running an electric current through the gel the DNA molecule will move towards the + end because DNA has a negative charge
What size molecules will move the farthest? Which will move the slowest?
Smaller fragments move the farthest (because they move the fastest) / large molecules move slow
What do restriction enzymes do to the DNA? Why do we use restriction enzymes?
Cut DNA / to get manageable fragments
What is “shotgun sequencing”?
A process of cutting DNA and then using computers to match up sequences to find the sequence of a fragment of DNA
What are bioinformatics and genomics?
Bioinformatics- uses computer science and math the study biological information Genomics- study of complete genomes
What is PCR (polymerase chain reaction) used for?
To make MANY copies of DNA fragments
Why would breeders want mutations in plants?
To make them “better” larger and hardier if polyploidy (common in citrus fruits)
What is selective breeding used for?
To obtain desired traits in offspring by selecting which adults breed to create the next generation (uses variation that already exists in the population)
What is inbreeding?
Taking 2 individuals that have similar traits and breeding them to create offspring that also have the desired (similar) trait
What is hybridization? Who was famous for using this process?
Taking 2 individuals that have different desirable traits and breeding them to try and get offspring with the best traits from both individuals- Burbank used this with plants and is famous for it
What is biotechnology?
The process of manipulating organisms cells or molecules to produce specific products
What is recombinant DNA?
DNA produced by combining DNA from 2 different sources
What is a plasmid and how are they important to the process of transformation?
Plasmid- small circular piece of DNA located in many bacteria/ can easily put other genes in the plasmid to create recombinant DNA that will then transform bacteria and carry the desired gene
What happens in transformation? What are the steps to complete transformation?
DNA from an outside source is taken into the DNA of the bacteria and changes it/ Get desired gene, insert gene into plasmid, put plasmid in bacteria cell, bacteria will reproduce (now with the extra gene)
What can transgenic plants be used for?
Increase food production, with new vitamins they become a more complete food source
What is a clone? How is a clone made?
Member of a population of genetically identical cells produced from a single cell/ take a nucleus from a donor, take an egg cell from an adult female, remove egg cell nucleus, combine donor cell and egg cell, embryo develops, implant embryo into surrogate, baby (clone) is born
What are some advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified crops and animals?
Adv- increased food supply, insect resistant Dis- may be unsafe over long term
What is gene therapy?
Process of replacing a defective gene with a healthy one to cure a disease or disorder by letting the healthy new gene function properly (make the protein it is supposed to – etc)
How is DNA fingerprinting used? What can be used for the DNA sample?
Used for personal identification by sequencing areas of genomes that do not contain genes but are different from person to person / hair follicle, blood, sperm, tissue
Describe forensics. How has our knowledge of DNA expanded the field of forensics?
The study of crime scene evidence / allows us to use DNA fingerprinting to identify criminals
