Genetic Control of Metabolism Flashcards
State two methods used to improve wild strains of micro-organisms.
- Mutagenesis
2. Recombinant DNA Technology
Describe how mutagenesis works.
Micro-organisms exposed to UV light or other forms of radiation which results in a mutation which may produce an improved strain.
What is a vector?
A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into a cell.
State 2 types of vectors used during recombinant DNA technology.
- Plasmids
2. Artificial chromosomes
What is the advantage of artificial chromosomes over plasmids as vectors?
They can carry larger fragments of foreign DNA
Name the enzymes used to cut open plasmids.
Restriction endonuleases
Name the enzymes used to cut out the specific gene from a chromosome.
Restriction endonucleases
Name the enzyme used to seal the gene into the plasmid.
Ligase
When the same restriction endonuclease is used to cut open the plasmid and cut out the gene, what are produced?
Complementary sticky ends
State 4 things that recombinant plasmids contain.
- Restriction sites
- Regulatory sequences
- Origin of replication
- Selectable markers
What is a restriction site?
a target sequence of DNA that can be cut by specific restriction endonulceases
What is a regulatory sequence?
Controls gene expression
Why is the origin of replication important?
It allows self-replication to take place.
What do selectable markers do for the micro-organism?
If it is a gene that gives it resistance to antibiotics therefore allows growth to continue and stops it from being killed in the presence of an antibiotic.
What do selectable markers ensure?
That only micro-organisms that have taken up the vector grow in the presence of the selective agent (antibiotic)
