Chapter 6 - Genetics (Unit 2)

Question 1

What are Model organisms? why are they used? provide examples.

Answer 1

• Used by scientists to understand genetics
  Ex: Fruit flies, Guinea pigs
  Why:
  1. Shorter life span
  2. Cheap
  3. Genomes have been sequenced/mapped
  (Ex; Lab rats -> similar genes to humans, research can be applied to ppl)

Question 2

What does GFP stand for? Describe where it was used.

Answer 2

• Green fluorescent protein
• attached and used as an indicator on genes
  (to see if they got picked up)
  Ex: used for a blindness disorder in rats

Question 3

What is the Human Genome Project?

Answer 3

• Started in 1990’s
• To determine the nucleotide sequences of all DNA in human chromosomes
• Identify location + sequences of every human gene
• 1-2% of DNA contains genes
• 98% = ‘junk’ DNA 9 reg sequences)

Question 4

What’s the difference between a gene and a Genome?

Answer 4

• A gene is a specific segment of DNA
• A genome is the entirety of the genetic material inside an organism

Question 5

What does manipulating DNA mean?

Answer 5

• DNA must be cut into small pieces
• ‘molecular scissors’ cut DNA
  -> come from bacteria protein (Restriction Enzymes)
• Pieces of cut up DNA are Restriction fragments

Question 6

What is Gel Electrophoresis?

Answer 6

• Tech that separates DNA based on size
• Used in paternity tests
• Helps in determining disease origins
  Ex: large pieces travel slowly through gel

Question 7

What is DNA sequencing?

Answer 7

• Determining the order of nucleotides in DNA
  1. Double helix separated
  2. bottom -> up, new nucleotide per row
  3. Will show up in diff colours

Question 8

What is Bioinformatics?

Answer 8

• Science of handling and analysing biological data

Question 9

What is Genomics?

Answer 9

• The study of genes
• Map the location of genes within a Genome
• Figure out genetic causes of diseases

Question 10

What are applications of Genomics?

Answer 10

Medicine:
- DNA chips
- Sequences for genetic disorders
- Personalized healthcare
- Ethical concerns

Agriculture:
- More food + nutrition
- select best livestock

Question 11

What is bio-indigo?

Answer 11

• Created from bacteria
• Eco friendly substitute for indigo dye
• Uses less energy
• No harmful by-products

Question 12

What is Biotechnology?

Answer 12

• The use of organisms to make useful products
  Ex: Vaccines, antibiotics

Question 13

What is Genetic engineering?

Answer 13

• The international production of new genes + alternation of genomes by substituting/introducing new genetic material
  Tailor abilities of organisms
  *GMOs

Question 14

What are some examples of GMO’s

Answer 14

• Vegetable oil
• BT corn
• Salmon
• Rice

Question 15

What is Genetic Recombination?

Answer 15

• Uses bacteria which is essential to modern biotech
  (recombinant tech)
• By engineering bacteria
• Mass produces genes + proteins
• Allows for combining genes -> diff sources/species