Biotechnology and Genomics Flashcards
What is biotechnology, and what does it involve?
Biotechnology involves using natural biological systems to achieve human-desired goals.
What is genetic engineering, and how is it used in biotechnology?
Genetic engineering allows scientists to modify the genomes of various organisms, improving their characteristics or creating biotech products.
What role does DNA and RNA research play in biotechnology?
DNA and RNA research has led to the development of techniques for cloning genes and editing genomes.
What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and how are they created?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have altered genomes, often using recombinant DNA technology.
How do transgenic organisms differ from GMOs, and what’s their significance?
Transgenic organisms are a type of GMO with genes from other species inserted into their genomes. They have various applications and significance.
What is recombinant DNA technology, and what is its purpose?
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology combines genes from multiple sources to achieve specific goals.
What is the role of a vector in recombinant DNA technology?
A vector, often a plasmid, serves as a carrier for foreign DNA in rDNA.
What are restriction enzymes, and how do they work in rDNA technology?
Restriction enzymes cleave DNA at specific sites, creating “sticky ends” to facilitate the insertion of foreign DNA into vector DNA.
What is the function of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?
DNA ligase seals the foreign DNA into the plasmid, creating a recombinant DNA molecule.
How are cloned genes used in biotechnology, and what are some of their applications?
Cloned genes have various applications, including expression in bacterial cells or introduction into other organisms, creating transgenic organisms.
What is DNA sequencing, and why is it important?
DNA sequencing determines the order of nucleotides in a DNA segment, aiding in various fields like medicine and forensics.
How has DNA sequencing technology evolved over the years?
Early DNA sequencing used radioactive tracers and gel; modern DNA sequencing uses dyes and automated machines.
What is the role of PCR in DNA sequencing?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to make multiple copies of a gene for sequencing reactions.
What is PCR, and what is its primary purpose?
PCR can rapidly create billions of copies of a DNA segment in a test tube and is used for various applications.
What are the key steps in a PCR cycle, and how does it work?
PCR involves denaturation, annealing, and extension steps that amplify a targeted DNA sequence.
How has DNA analysis evolved after PCR?
DNA analysis has shifted to methods like Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, which provides more accurate results.
What are STRs, and how are they used in DNA profiling?
STRs are short sequences of repeating DNA bases, amplified by PCR and used in DNA profiling for various applications.
What is genome editing, and what is a widely used method for it?
Genome editing targets specific DNA sequences for removal or replacement. CRISPR is a commonly used method.
How does CRISPR work, and what are its applications?
CRISPR relies on the Cas9 endonuclease enzyme and guide RNA to make precise DNA cuts. It has various applications, including treating genetic diseases and viral testing.
How are bacteria, plants, and animals genetically engineered for biotechnology product production?
Recombinant DNA technology and other biotech techniques are used to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and transgenic organisms.
What are some examples of genetically modified bacteria and their applications?
Genetically modified bacteria are used to produce various biotechnology products, including insulin and vaccines.
How are plants genetically modified, and what are the purposes of these modifications?
Plants are genetically modified to resist pests, herbicides, and for improved qualities, like reduced spoilage and increased productivity.
What are genetically modified animals, and what are some applications?
Animals are genetically modified for various purposes, including organ transplantation (xenotransplantation) and food production.
What is the significance of the cell cycle and DNA replication in stem cells and cloning?
The cell cycle and DNA replication allow every cell in the body to contain a copy of all genes, with implications for stem cells and cloning.
What is the difference between reproductive and therapeutic cloning?
Reproductive cloning aims to create whole organisms, while therapeutic cloning aims to produce specialized tissue cells for medical purposes.
What is the primary goal of biotechnology?
A. Creating genetically modified organisms
B. Cloning genes
C. Achieving human-desired goals using biological systems
D. Sequencing DNA
Answer: C. Achieving human-desired goals using biological systems
Which biotechnological technique allows scientists to modify the genomes of various organisms?
A. DNA sequencing
B. Recombinant DNA technology
C. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
D. Gel electrophoresis
Answer: B. Recombinant DNA technology
What term is used for organisms with altered genomes, often created using recombinant DNA technology?
A. Cloned organisms
B. Transgenic organisms
C. Mutated organisms
D. Hybrid organisms
Answer: B. Transgenic organisms
In recombinant DNA technology, what is the role of a vector?
A. To cut DNA into fragments
B. To seal foreign DNA into the plasmid
C. To amplify DNA
D. To serve as a carrier for foreign DNA
Answer: D. To serve as a carrier for foreign DNA
What is the function of restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
A. To create “sticky ends” in DNA
B. To seal DNA fragments together
C. To amplify DNA
D. To replicate DNA
Answer: A. To create “sticky ends” in DNA
What is the primary purpose of DNA sequencing?
A. To create genetically modified organisms
B. To amplify DNA
C. To determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA segment
D. To produce insulin
Answer: C. To determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA
Which technique can rapidly create billions of copies of a DNA segment in a test tube?
A. DNA sequencing
B. Restriction enzyme digestion
C. Gel electrophoresis
D. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Answer: D. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
What is the most commonly used method for genome editing?
A. DNA sequencing
B. Cloning genes
C. CRISPR
D. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Answer: C. CRISPR
What is the primary function of the Cas9 enzyme in CRISPR genome editing?
A. To amplify DNA
B. To create “sticky ends” in DNA
C. To identify specific DNA sequences and make precise cuts
D. To determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA segment
Answer: C. To identify specific DNA sequences and make precise cuts
What is the term for organisms with foreign genes inserted into their genomes?
A. Cloned organisms
B. Transgenic organisms
C. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
D. Mutated organisms
Answer: B. Transgenic organisms
What is the primary application of genetically modified bacteria in biotechnology?
A. Insulin production
B. Food production
C. Drug development
D. Energy production
Answer: A. Insulin production
