Biotechnology 2 Flashcards
Outline what recombinant DNA technology is
What is it used for
Modified, synthetic DNA; made by inserting genes from one source into a DNA molecule from a different source (genetically modified/GMO)
-Replacing faulty genes
-Treat cystic fibrosis, diabetes, some cancers.
-Identify mutations
-determine inheritance of hereditary diseases
Define “transgenic organism”
Organism which has genetic material from another artificially inserted
Explain what restriction enzymes are and why they are important for the purpose of creating recombinant DNA
Restriction enzymes cut strands of DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides (recognition site)
Found in bacteriophages and restricts duplication - stopping infection of bacterial cells by viruses
Describe what a recognition site is
specific sequence of nucleotides at which an enzyme cuts a strand of DNA
How does recombinant DNA technology work
1.Gene is isolated + cut using restriction enzyme in a staggered cut
2. isolated plasmid then cut with same restriction enzyme in a staggered cut
3. straight cut=clean break across strands of DNA=blunt end
4. staggered cut=fragment with sticky ends=unpaired nucleotides overhang at break
5. DNA ligase then splice (bind) gene (donor DNA) into the vector (plasmid)
6. virus (containing modified DNA) inserts its base sequence into bacterial cell, which then expresses the inserted human gene
7.bacteria is left to divide and produce clones
8.bacteria now able to produce protein using donor DNA
Outline how a virus can be used as a vector to create recombinant DNA
virus (containing modified RNA) inserts its base sequence into host cell, which then expresses the inserted human gene.
What are possible treatments for diabetes using gene therapy
Can reprogram alpha to beta cells using vectors
1.Virus containing proteins inserted into the pancreas
2. proteins change gene expression, cause alpha cells to produce insulin
3.new “beta cells” are resistant T-cells attack as are slightly different to regular ones
4. This would not be a lasting ‘cure’ and has been shown to work in mice for 4months
What is gene therapy
What are it’s two types
Limitations?
Use of genetic material to treat/prevent disease by identifying faulty genes and inserting healthy ones
limitations: treats single gene disorders as
-tissue hard to access
-requires continual replacement
Exvivo-removes persons own cells, delivers outside of body. Modified cells then return
Invivo-gene delivered directly into person
Describe what a recognition site is
A specific sequence of nucleotides at which an enzyme cuts a strand of DNA
Give the function of the enzyme DNA ligase
Capable of combining two small component of single strand DNA into one single structure
Define the term “synthetic hormone”
State two ways in which hormones can be artificially made
a hormone that has been artificially created
-chemically and using recombinant DNA
How is the functioning bacterial cell that can be used to make synthetic insulin produced
Cut out required gene using restriction enzyme
Bacterial plasmid/DNA removed from bacterial cell
Bacterial plasmid/DNA cut with the same restriction enzyme
Gene (for human insulin) inserted into bacterial plasmid/DNA
Recombinant plasmid is inserted into a bacterial cell
How is synthetic thyroxine produced
using chemical ingredients
hormone replacement therapy: daily doses of a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine e.g.
Describe the human genome project
Collaboration of scientists to determine the order of the bases for all human DNA. Huge impact on disease treatment.
Explain what cell replacement therapy is
using Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease as examples
Replacing damaged cells w/stem cells (can differentiate into specialised cells)
potential treatment for neurogenerative disorders like
Park.-replace dying neurons with healthy neuronal tissue from embryos (controversial as unethical)
Distinguish between cystic fibrosis and huntington’s
cystic-recessive genetic disorder=short life expectancy
huntingtons-single gene disorder caused by gene mutation
Distinguish between parkinsons and alzheimers
parkinsons- slow damage to nerve cells that produce dopamine vital for smooth control of muscles/movement.
symptoms:tremors, shaking, stiffness
alzheimers-changes in brain leading to deposits of protein and loss of connection bwn neurons
symptoms:memory loss, imparied reasoning/judgement
Define tissue engineering
to restore healthy tissues/organs for patients and eliminate need for tissue or organ transplants/artificial implants
-reduce risk of rejection as patients own cells used
In what ways can gene therapy be achieved
-Replacing mutant gene with healthy
-fixing/inactivating gene
-inserting new gene that will fight disease
-make immune system recognise diseased cells