DNA technology Flashcards
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This process involves the manipulation of an organism’s DNA using methods that allow genes to be transferred between different organisms, creating new combinations of traits that would not occur naturally. GMOs can be plants, animals, or microorganisms, and they are used for a variety of purposes including agriculture, medicine, and research.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology refers to the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop or produce useful products and technologies. It involves the application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop new products, therapies, and technologies that benefit society, such as genetically engineered crops, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and medicines
Gene cloning
Gene cloning is the process of making multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence or gene, which can be used for various research and practical purposes such as studying gene expression or creating genetically modified organisms.
Recombinant DNA plasmids
Recombinant DNA plasmids are circular DNA molecules that are artificially modified to contain foreign DNA sequences, which are then inserted into host cells for the purpose of producing desired proteins or other molecules. Plasmids are commonly used in genetic engineering and biotechnology as a means of manipulating genes and producing large quantities of recombinant proteins for research or industrial applications.
Clone
group of genetically identical organisms or cells that are derived from a single parent organism or cell through asexual reproduction. Clones are genetically identical because they contain the same DNA sequence as the parent organism or cell from which they were derived.
Transformation
Transformation is the process by which foreign genetic material, such as a plasmid or fragment of DNA, is introduced into a bacterial cell, resulting in the acquisition of new traits or characteristics.
Transgenic organism
A transgenic organism is an organism that has been genetically modified by introducing a foreign gene or genes into its genome. Examples of transgenic organisms include genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests or herbicides, animals that have been modified to produce human proteins, and bacteria that produce human insulin.
Genetic marker
a gene or DNA sequence that can be used to identify a particular location on a chromosome.
Forensics
scientific discipline that applies scientific methods to answer legal questions or to solve crimes. Forensic science involves the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence from crime scenes or other types of incidents to provide objective information that can be used in a court of law
DNA Profiling
technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profile. It involves analyzing DNA samples from an individual’s blood, hair, or tissue, and comparing it to DNA samples from other individuals
Describe how gene cloning can be used to make recombinant DNA plasmids
that can be used to transform bacteria and make useful products like insulin.
Include terms restriction enzymes, restriction fragments, and ligase
Gene cloning involves cutting a DNA sequence into fragments using restriction enzymes. These fragments can then be inserted into a plasmid using ligase to create a recombinant DNA plasmid. The plasmid can then be introduced into bacteria via transformation, where the bacteria can replicate and produce large quantities of the protein of interest, such as insulin.
Describe how the CRIPSR-Cas9 system allows researchers to target a
specific gene in a living cell for removal or editing.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a genetic tool that allows researchers to target and edit specific genes in living cells. It works by using a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to a specific location on the DNA where it can cut the DNA sequence. Once the DNA is cut, the cell’s natural DNA repair process can be harnessed to remove, replace or edit the targeted gene. This technology has many potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and research.
Describe how Golden rice, a genetically modified organism, acquired its -
carotene gene using the example of how genetically modified organisms are
made in class
Golden rice was created by inserting two genes, phytoene synthase and carotene desaturase, into the rice genome using genetic engineering techniques. These genes produce beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the human body. This modification was made in order to address Vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. The genes were inserted into the rice genome using plasmid vectors, which were introduced into rice cells using a gene gun or Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The transformed cells were then grown into mature plants, which produced golden rice with high levels of beta-carotene.
Is Covid-19 a naked or enveloped virus? Is it a +RNA or -RNA virus?
Covid-19 is an enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome.
What type of treatments and vaccine are being tested for Covid-19? How do
these treatments and vaccine work?
Treatments include antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma therapy, and corticosteroids. Antiviral drugs such as remdesivir work by inhibiting the replication of the virus. Monoclonal antibodies work by targeting the spike protein of the virus and preventing it from entering host cells. Convalescent plasma therapy involves transferring plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients to patients currently infected with the virus. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the lungs caused by the virus.
Vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca work by using a piece of the virus’s genetic material (mRNA or DNA) to stimulate an immune response in the body. This allows the body to recognize and fight the virus in the future.
