Biotechnology

Question 1

what is the definition of recombinant DNA?

Answer 1

the process of introducing DNA into a cell from a different type of organism or DNA that has been modified in some way

Question 2

what is a genetically modified organism ?

Answer 2

a organism produced by genetic engineering

Question 3

what is a transgenic organism?

Answer 3

an organism that has had DNA from another species introduced into it artificially

Question 4

how is DNA cut?

Answer 4

using restriction enzymes

Question 5

where do they cut the DNA?

Answer 5

-It is cut at the recognition site

Question 6

what does DNA ligase do ?

Answer 6

joins the phosphate group at the end of one strand to the sugar molecule at the end of another strand

Question 7

what is the process of recombinant DNA?

Answer 7

1. gene is isolated and cut using a restriction enzyme
2. isolate a plasmid and cut it with the same restriction enzyme
3. use DNA ligase to splice the gene into the vector
   4.treat the bacterium so that the recombinant DNA is taken up into the cell
4. bacteria is left to divide and produce clones
5. bacteria will now be able to produce the protein using the donor DNA.

Question 8

what is gene therapy?

Answer 8

the use of genetic material to treat or prevent disease

Question 9

what is In Vivo?

Answer 9

when the gene is directly inserted into the person

Question 10

what is Ex Vivo?

Answer 10

cells are taken out of the body the gene is inserted into the cell and then put back into the body

Question 11

what is the process of using gene therapy as a form or treatment for diabetes?

Answer 11

1. virus containing protein is inserted into the pancreas
2. these proteins change gene expression and cause alpha cells to produce insulin
3. these new “beta cells” are resistant to attack by T-cell as they are slightly different to regular ones
4. this would not be a lasting ‘cure’ and has been shown to work for 4 months in mice

Question 12

what is cell replacement theory ?

Answer 12

replacing damaged cells with stem cells could be a treatment for any disordes involving loss or injury of normal cells

Question 13

what is Parkinsons disease?

Answer 13

results from damage to the nerve cells that produce dopamine a chemical that is vital for the smooth control of muscles and movement

Question 14

what is Alzheimers disease?

Answer 14

characterised by changes in the brain that leads to deposit of proteins and loos of connections between neurons.

Question 15

how is cell replacement theory used for a potential treatment of degenerative disease?

Answer 15

• potential to grow stem cell into new neurons to replace damaged ones (wouldn’t prevent the cells from dying)
  -stems cels from embryos may be used (ethical issue)
  -clinical trails transplanting young brain cells from foetus into people with parkinsons (ethical issue)
  -scientist can now make dopamine