General Flashcards
What is the product of meiosis
Four gametes that have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Genetically varied.
Gene
A section of DNA that codes for a protein
Allele
One or more alternative versions of the same gene
Dominant
An allele whos characteristic appears in the phenotype even when there’s only one copy
Recessive
An allele whos characteristic only appears in the phenotype if there are two copies present
Heterozygous
When an organism carries two different alleles at the same locus
Homozygous
When an organism carries two copies of the same allele at the same locus
Phenotype
The visible characteristics of an organism are called the phenotype
Genotype
The alleles we have that control a characteristic are called our genotype
Chromosome
a long thread-like structure made of DNA which is wrapped around proteins.
What is DNA made of
DNA is a polymer made up of four different nucleotides each consisted of a common sugar and phosphate group along with one of four different bases attached to the sugar
Define genetic engineering
Genetic engineering involves taking a copy of a gene from one organism and inserting that gene into the DNA of another organism, to create a genetically modified organism (GMO) or a transgenic organism.
What are restriction enzymes used for in generic engineering?
Cutting the DNA of one organism by breaking bonds between nucleotides leaving sticky ends.
Cutting open the bacterial plasmid DNA
How is the new gene inserted into the plasmid in genetic engineering?
They are mixed and hydrogen bonds form between the complementary bases in the sticky ends of the plasmid and the useful gene
What is ligase used for in genetic engineering?
DNA ligase joins the plasmid DNA and the useful gene. This is now called a recombinant plasmid
What is done with a recombinant plasmid and what is its role?
It is inserted into a bacterial cell. It acts as a vector, carrying the gene into the cell. The cell is now a GMO and can be cultured by cloning
Give four proteins produced by genetically modified bacteria
Insulin
Penicillin
Reninin (enzyme used in cheese production)
Factor VIII to treat haemophilia
How does genetic engineering of plant cells differ from bacterial cells?
Plant cells do not have plasmid so it is slightly different.
Recombinant plasmid is inserted into A. tumefaciens to great a transgenic bacterial cell. Plant cells are grown in the lab with this transgenic A. tumefaciens. The olasmid carries the useful gene into the plant cell and inserts it into the plant cells chromosome. These plant cells are then cultured and grown.
What are the pros and cons of GMO medicines?
Enables larger quantities of medicine to be produced
Proteins are human proteins so should have few side effects.
Only been used for a short period of time so should have few side effects
What are the risk of using bone marrow stem cell transplants?
In increased risk of cancer developing
Rejection by immune system
Give four potential uses of embryonic stem cells
treating diabetes by replacing insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas
treating burns by replacing damaged skin tissue
replacing neurones damaged by spinal cord injury
replacing cells in the heart damaged by a heart attack
What is an iPSC
induced pluripotent stem cell
What do amylases do
Digest starch into simple sugars
What do proteases do
DIgest large insoluble protein polymers into smaller soluble amino acids
