Genetic Control of Metabolism Flashcards
How can wild strains of microorganisms be improved?
By mutagenesis or recombinant DNA
What can cause mutations? What may be produced?
Exposure to UV light
Radiation
Mutagenic chemicals
An improved strain may be produced
What does recombinant DNA technology involve?
The use of recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes as vectors
What is a vector?
A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic information into another cell
What are both used as vectors during recombinant DNA technology?
Plasmids and artificial chromosomes
When are artificial chromosomes preferable to plasmids?
When larger fragments of DNA require to be inserted
What does restriction endonuclease do?
Cut open plasmids and cut out specific gene sequences from chromosomes leaving sticky ends
When are complimentary sticky ends produced?
When the same restriction endonuclease is used to cut open the plasmids and remove the gene from the chromosome
What does ligase do?
Seals the gene into the plasmid
What do restriction sites contain?
Target DNA where specific endonucleases cut
What do regulatory sequences control?
Gene expression
What does origin of replication allow?
Self-replication of the plasmid/artificial chromosome
Selectable markers such as … protects microorganisms from?
Antibiotic resistance gene
A selective agent (antibiotic) that would normally kill it/prevent growth
Only what kind of microorganisms are able to grow in the presence of a selective agent (antibiotic)?
Microorganisms that have taken up a vector containing a selective marker gene
Genes are often introduced that prevent the survival of the microorganism in an external environment, what is this?
As a safety mechanism
