Biotechnology

Question 1

Define recombinant DNA

Answer 1

DNA that has been formed artificially by combining constituents from different organisms.

Question 2

What are the 4 steps involved in the making of recombinant DNA?

Answer 2

1. Isolation of DNA (cutting of DNA, restriction enzymes)
2. Insertion of DNA fragment (Plasmid Vector)
3. Joining of DNA (DNA ligase)
4. Amplification of DNA (Bacterial transformation)

Question 3

Define Plasmid Vector

Answer 3

Plasmids are the most-commonly used bacterial cloning vectors. These cloning vectors contain a site that allows DNA fragments to be inserted, for example a multiple cloning site or polylinker which has several commonly used restriction sites to which DNA fragments may be ligated.

Question 4

What is the role of DNA ligase?

Answer 4

Maintaining genomic integrity joining breaks in the phosphodiester backbone of DNA that occur during replication and recombination.

Question 5

What are the applications of DNA sequencing to map species’ genomes and DNA profiling to identify unique genetic information?

Answer 5

DNA sequencing maps species’ genomes for evolutionary studies, biodiversity conservation, drug discovery, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. DNA profiling identifies unique genetic markers for forensic investigations, paternity testing, wildlife protection, medical diagnostics, and human remains identification. Both tools revolutionize science, aiding research, conservation, personalized medicine, and criminal justice by unraveling genetic information at species and individual levels.

Question 6

Explain the purpose of polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis

Answer 6

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA. By replicating DNA in a thermal cycling process, PCR creates millions of copies of the target DNA region, even from minute amounts, enabling analysis, sequencing, or further manipulation. Its applications range from medical diagnostics to genetic research, forensic science, and biotechnology.

Gel electrophoresis is a method used to separate and analyze DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size and charge. The molecules are placed in a gel matrix and subjected to an electric field, causing them to move. Smaller molecules move faster, while larger ones move more slowly. This separation allows visualization and analysis of the molecules, aiding in DNA profiling, genetic fingerprinting, identifying DNA fragments produced by PCR, or confirming the success of genetic modifications.

Together, PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences, while gel electrophoresis separates and allows the visualization of these amplified DNA segments, aiding in various genetic and molecular analyses.