Depth study Lesson 5 Flashcards
Gene transformation
- A form of genetic exchange in which the genetic material carried by an individual cell is altered by the incorporation of exogenous (foreign) DNA
E. coli context
- Lives in the human gut
- HAs one large piece of circular DNA 3-5 million bp long, and small plasmids between 5000-10,000 bp in the cytoplasm
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
- A protein present in bioluminescent jellyfish (Aequorea victoria)
- Fluoresceces under certain conditions when exposed to UV light
- Is inserted into a plasmid alongside an ampicillin-resistant gene
- Ampicillin kills E. coli by preventing cell wall construction, so E. coli without the ampicillin resistant gene and GFP will be unable to survive
Sticky ends
Ends with exposed nucleotide base at each end, cut by restriction enzymes at the special recognition site. These have complementary bases, therefore can join by annealing a process of base-pairing.
Novel traits
Traits that are new to the species. Can be done through genetically modification or traditional methods such as accelerated mutagenesis, plant breeding (hybrid). However, recombinant DNA techniques allows for a more controlled and direct approach.
Genetic Discrimination
Risk of genetic testing/DNA sequencing: Genetic testing Insurance companies may refuse to provide health coverage, or charge a biased premium to clients that have a predisposition for disorders in their family history.
What does the heat shock cycle do?
Used for bacterial transformation.
- Calcium chloride: makes the bacteria competent, meaning they can take up foreign DNA.
- At 0C stabilises the plasmid and DNA.
- When brought from 0C (ice) to 42C, this rapid change of temperature creates temporary pores in the membrane so the plasmid can enter.
- Back to 0C closes the pores, the plasmid has entered yay!
