Chapter 10 Part 1 Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
The manipulation of DNA & RNA
What types of manipulations of DNA&RNA can occur?
1) analyzing DNA/RNA to understand it better
2) altering DNA/RNA to make it work better
3) Taking DNA/RNA from one organism and inserting it into another
How has genetic manipulation changed in reference to “traditional” methods vs. new modern techniques?
Traditionally they manipulate through selective breeding. Modern does the same things, but with more precision and control
What happens to DNA when it is heated to approximately 94° C?
DNA automatically unwinds
What happens when the temperature in DNA is lowered?
Lowering the temperature causes the 2 strands to bind back together
What are restriction endonucleases?
A set of enzymes which make cuts in stands DNA
Where are endonucleases?
They were isolated from bacteria and archaea
What are the functions of ligases?
Enzymes that seal the sticky ends produced by restriction endonucleases.
What does the enzyme reverse transcriptase do?
1) convert RNA into DNA
2) creates complementary DNA (cDNA)
What is the charge of DNA and how is this used in the process of Gel Electrophoresis?
Negative charge due to phosphate groups
Applying a positive charge causes DNA to move through gel based on attraction of opposite charges.
Would small or large DNA molecules travel farthest from the starting point?
The small ones because they move through the gel faster
What is gene probe?
A short stretch of known sequence that will base-pair with complementary sequences used to “search” for matching sequences in unknown DNA samples.
How can gene probes used in medical diagnostics?
Used to analyze a person’s DNA for genetic diseases like breast cancer.
What is Fluorescent in situ hybridization?
Technique that applies gene probes to intact cells. They can also be used to identify unknown bacteria living in natural habitats without having to culture them.
What is PCR?
Polymerase Chain Reaction
It is used to amplify DNA or make copies of DNA sequences
Why are primers significant in this process?
They serve as landmarks of docking points to indicate where DNA amplification will begin
What is recombinant DNA technology?
Technology that removes genetic material from one organism and combine it with that of a different organism
What is gel electrophoresis?
It’s kind of like an electronic current that DNA can travel through and be separated in
How are DNA separated?
Based on size
What contribution did thermophillic bacteria contribute to the PCR process?
The enzymes isolated from the thermophillic bacteria speed up the process and they can remain active during high temperatures
How is each type of restriction endonuclease unique?
There is an enzyme for every type of genetic engineering process.
How are “sticky ends” different from “blunt ends”?
With the help of ligases they also DNA to be put back together
