(Chapter 1.3) Gene Technology Flashcards
Define genome
The full set of genes and alleles found in a species
Explain the role of The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project is a database of the number of all human genes, their locations, and many of their key base sequences.
Define gene mapping
The process of determining the location of genes on chromosomes
Define sex linkage
The sex-specific patterns of inheritance when a gene mutation is present on a sex chromosome
Define restriction enzyme
Protein that cuts the DNA molecule at specific base sequences, creating DNA fragments
Define DNA ligase
An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by catalysing the formation of a phosphodiester bond
Identify the role of restriction enzyme
The role of the protein is to protect bacteria from foreign DNA material
Explain why restriction enzymes are named as such
The protein is named as it restricts the growth of other organisms by destroying their DNA
Define ligase
An enzyme that can catalyse the joining (ligation) of 2 large molecules by forming a chemical bond
Identify in what organism are restriction enzymes present in
Restriction enzymes are present in bacteria
Identify in what organism are DNA ligase present in
DNA ligase is present in all kingdoms of organisms
Identify the responsibility of DNA ligase
The DNA ligase is responsible for normal DNA replication and repairing damage to DNA and mutations
Recall the artificial use of restriction enzymes and DNA ligases
Geneticists use restriction enzymes and DNA ligases as ‘scissors’ and ‘glue’ respectively to transfer genes into different positions, chromosomes, organisms, or species
Define genetic engineering
The process of altering the DNA makeup of an organism through laboratory-based technologies
Define bioinformatics
A scientific subdiscipline that involves using computer technology to collect, store, analyze, and disseminate biological data and information
Define transgenic
An organism or cell whose genome has been altered by the introduction of one or more foreign DNA sequences from another species by artificial means
Define gene therapy
A technique that modifies a person’s genes to treat or cure disease
Outline the process of gene therapy
- Genes from other organisms are cloned inside rapidly multiplying bacteria
- The genes are cut out of the bacterial chromosomes
- The genes are purified
- The genes are inserted into faulty cells to treat diseases
Identify the advantages of using bacteria for gene therapy
Bacteria multiply at a fast rate and there are limited ethical concerns
Define recombinant DNA
The use of enzymes and various laboratory techniques to manipulate and isolate DNA segments of interest
Provides use(s) of DNA sequencing
DNA sequencing is used to diagnose and treat genetic diseases and identify the difference in base sequence between alleles
Define DNA sequencing
The general laboratory technique for determining the exact sequence of nucleotides, or bases, in a DNA molecule
Define vector
Any particle used as a vehicle to artificially carry a foreign nucleic sequence into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed
Recall the correlation between vectors and recombinant DNA
A vector containing foreign DNA is termed recombinant DNA
Identify the environmental applications of gene technology
Bacteria have been developed containing genes that produce proteins to break down oil deposits and mining wastes
Identify the agricultural applications of gene technology
Genetically modified crops have been developed that are resistant to chemicals and pests and have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals
Define DNA profiling
The process where a specific DNA pattern, called a profile, is obtained from a person or sample of bodily tissue
“Your DNA is like a fingerprint” Explain why this statement is true
Although most of our DNA is identical to other people’s DNA, specific regions vary highly between individuals and excluding identical twins, no one has the exact DNA
Define polymorphic
The specific regions of DNA that vary highly between individuals
Define genetic screening
The process of testing a population for a genetic disease in order to identify a subgroup of people that either have the disease or the potential to pass it on to their offspring
Define stem cell
Cells that are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of specialised cells
Define nuclear transfer
A form of cloning that transfers genetic material from a single donor cell, to an unfertilized egg from which the genetic material has been removed, reconstructing an embryo
Define reproductive cloning
The deliberate production of genetically identical individuals
Identify the scientific term for identical twins
The scientific term for identical twins is monozygotic twins
True or False - “Identical twins are natural clones”
True
Define therapeutic cloning
The transfer of nuclear material isolated from a somatic cell into an embryo
True or False - “Reproductive cloning is a type of therapeutic cloning”
False. Therapeutic cloning is a type of reproductive cloning
Identify the full form of GMOs
Genetically modified organisms
Define genetically modified organisms
An organism that had its DNA altered using genetic engineering
