DNA sequencing In Non Humans

Question 1

How is the malaria vector aimed to be killed?

Answer 1

Insecticides are used to kill mosquitos but they can become resistant - pyrethoid resistance is a particular issue as it’s the only insecticide suggested to be used w nets.

Question 2

How was the sequencing of the vectors genome used?

Answer 2

Develops chemicals that prevents mosquitos from transmitting malaria making it susceptible to insecticides once more. Genetically modified mosquito was made using a gene editing technology called CRISPR which allowed genes to be ‘written in’ to the genome.

Question 3

How was CRISPR-Cas9 used on mosquitos?

Answer 3

Added a gene allowing them to synthesise an antibody against plasmodium so it wouldn’t survive in the mosquito and wouldn’t spread.

Question 4

What has been done to kill the malaria parasite?

Answer 4

Drugs containing quinine disrupts plasmodium digestion of haemoglobin in the red blood cells. A toxic derivative of haemoglobin builds up and kills the plasmodium. However resistance formed to this.

Question 5

How have chloroquine, atrovaquone and atrimesinin been used?

Answer 5

1. Chloroquinine acts like quinine but plasmodium expel it faster so doesnt have an effect
2. Atrovaquone kills plasmodium by disrupting its ETC, but resistance developed
3. Atrimesinin is used in combination with other drugs and it’s function not well understood. Resistance detected for this

Question 6

Why do we need to identify the genome for plasmodium?

Answer 6

It is resistant to quinine, chloroquinine, atrovaquone and atrimesinin and a better understanding will form better drugs.