Biotechnology

Question 1

what are transgenic organisms

Answer 1

Is an organism that has genetic material from another organism artificially inserted.

Question 2

What are genetically modified organisms

Answer 2

Organisms that have had their DNA modified. May be transgenic or may have had genes turned on or off.

Question 3

what are restriction enzymes

Answer 3

An enzyme that cuts strands of DNA at a specific point of certain sequences called recognition sites.

Question 4

describe restriction enzymes in bacteria

Answer 4

In bacteria restriction enzymes cut up DNA of invading versus to destroy them.

Question 5

how many restriction enzymes are there

Answer 5

Approximately 400 restriction enzymes

Question 6

what are the two different ends DNA have

Answer 6

1. sticky ends
2. blunt ends

Question 7

what are sticky ends

Answer 7

They have overhanging ends that can be joined to other DNA fragments with complimentary sticky ends. They ensure that DNA is inserted the correct way.

Question 8

what are blunt ends

Answer 8

Blunt ends cut DNA straight across. They have no overhanging ends and can be joined to any DNA with blunt ends. Blunt ends mean DNA can be inserted backwards producing the wrong protein.

Question 9

what is the process of ligation

Answer 9

Involves an enzyme to splice DNA strands together. Joins complimentary sticky ends and any blunt ends.

Question 10

what enzyme is involved in ligation

Answer 10

DNA ligase

Question 11

what does ligation produce

Answer 11

recombinant DNA

Question 12

describe the structure of bacteria

Answer 12

Consists of small circular DNA in the plasmid that can replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA. It produces enzymes to disable antibodies.

Question 13

what are the seven steps of recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 13

1. Gene is isolated and cut at recognition sites using restriction enzymes.
2. The enzyme cuts DNA on either side of the gene in a staggered cut which produces sticky ends.
3. The plasmid is Isolated and cut with the same restriction enzyme which produces sticky ends.
4. DNA ligase splices the gene into the vector.
5. Treat the bacterium so that the recombinant DNA is taken up into the bacterial cell.
6. Bacteria is left to divide and produce clones.
7. Bacteria will now be able to produce the protein using the donor DNA.

Question 14

what are five uses of bacteria with recombinant DNA

Answer 14

Production of -
1. insulin
2. chymosin
3. HGH
4. Vaccine antigens
5. Blood clotting factor

Question 15

what is agrobacterium

Answer 15

Is used as a vector or to transfer foreign DNA into plants

Question 16

what are 3 reasons why agrobacterium is well suited as a vector

Answer 16

1. It naturally transfers plasmid DNA to plants
2. Plasmid DNA contains code to insert DNA into the host
3. It can infect a broad range of host plants

Question 17

what are 5 uses of transgenic organisms

Answer 17

1. alternative to pesticides and herbicides
2. Prevent the breeding of vectors
3. control feral animals
4. processes oils and toxic wastes
5. vaccines

Question 18

What are the eight steps of creating a transgenic organism?

Answer 18

1. Detergent is used to break down cells and nuclear membranes to release DNA.
2. Ethyl alcohol makes DNA precipitate which is then collected.
3. The gene of interest is isolated and cut with restriction enzymes.
4. The same restriction enzymes are used to cut plasmids.
5. The gene is inserted into the plasmid.
6. Insert plasmid into bacteria.
7. Bacteria are cloned to produce large numbers.
8. Cloned bacteria will express the inserted gene.