Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Flashcards
What is the Human Genome Project? (HGP)
A project to find out the exact structure of the entire DNA in a human cell to sequence the human genome
What were the goals of the HGP?
Identify all the genes in human DNA
Determine the sequences of the A,T,C and G base pairs that make up Human DNA
Store the information in databases
Improve tools for data analysis
Transfer related technologies to the private sector
What is the role of E. coli in the HGP?
E. coli has pieces of human DNA. In HGP, a DNA plasmis can be extracted from the E. coli and a restriction enzyme can cut it and it can join (using ligase) with the desired gene cut from the genome. Can be then placed in a host cell.
How were differently-coloured nucleotides used in sequencing the genes in the HGP?
Each base is labelled with a different fluorescent colour. A sequencing machine then reads the colour, sequencing the gene.
Why was the information collected and stored in a public database in the HGP?
So the information is accessible to everyone.
How did the HGP help develop knowledge about evolution?
Compare current human DNA with primate DNA. Helped prove evolution did occur. (fusing of two chromosomes)
How did the HGP develop knowledge in Medicine?
Can help create personalised medicines for patients so they can treat diseases more efficiently.
How did the HGP develop knowledge in Bioinformatics?
Interdisciplinary scientific field that develops methods for storing, retrieving and analysing biological data eg. DNA bases, working on a small scale in a lot of detail. (Development because gave the field data to store and analyse)
What three fields did the HGP help develop knowledge in?
Evolutionary Research
Medicine
Bioinformatics
What are the ELSI of HGP? (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues)
Privacy of Genetic Information - who should have access?
Should future employers/partners have access to Genetic Information
Genetic Testing of Fetus - more abortions?
People may try and produce ‘designer’ babies, that inherit the best characteristics.
Psychological Issues - should people be told about a disorder that they will get before they’ve even got it yet?
Outline the process of Gene Transfer.
The useful gene is located and then cut out using a restriction enzyme. The useful gene is then removed.
The same restriction enzyme can be used to cut the same base sequence in the plasmid DNA (removed from E.coli)
DNA ligase then inserts the useful gene into the plasmid.
Modified plasmid is then inserted into a host cell (vector), eg a virus, which delivers the gene to the target cells.
What is a transgenic organism?
A genetically modified organism. An organism entertaining DNA from another unrelated organism
What is SCID?
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency - have no immune system and must live in a ‘bubble’
How can gene therapy treat SCID?
The normal gene was inserted into them by gene transfer which caused the production of enzyme ADA.
Give three examples of GM plant crops.
Golden Rice
Insecticide Sweetcorn
Frost-resistant or salt-resistant tomatoes/strawberries
How can genetically modified sheep help hemophiliacs?
Hemophiliacs blood doesn’t have the clotting factor as they lack the correct protein. Correct protein can be transferred into female sheep so the milk contains the desired protein.
Give three examples of naturally occurring clones.
Asexual Reproduction
Plant Cuttings
Identical Twins (monozygotic)
Define differentiated nucleus.
Nucleus that is already specialised
In terms of Dolly’s cloning, why was the differentiated nucleus taken from an udder cell?
Exterior somatic cells are easy to access.
Why did Dolly die younger than normal, but of age related illness?
Clone was made from an already aged somatic cell - Dolly aged prematurely
What is reproductive cloning?
Making an entire copy of an organism (e.g. Dolly)
What is therapeutic cloning?
Making copies of embryonic stem cells for treatment
What are some medical applications of therapeutic cloning?
Grow new skin and tissue (burns victims)
Create new organs for people with liver damage
