Genetics And Biotech Flashcards
What are hydrogels?
Cross-linked polymeric networks that are swollen in biological fluid.
List three diverse applications of hydrogels mentioned in the text.
- Controlled drug delivery systems. 2. Mobile air-conditioning systems (as heat sinks). 3. Industrial lubricants (reducing friction).
What is microsatellite DNA also known as?
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs).
What can microsatellite DNA analysis be used for in biological studies?
Studying evolutionary relationships, assessing genetic diversity, analyzing genetic structure and gene flow, studying inheritance patterns, and creating DNA fingerprints.
What is aerial metagenomics?
The collection and analysis of genetic material (DNA/RNA) from airborne particles to characterize microbial communities (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in the air.
What is DNA barcoding?
A method to identify a species by comparing a characteristic short sequence of DNA from its genome to a reference library of sequences.
Can DNA barcoding be used to determine the age of an organism?
No, it is not known to be used for assessing the age of living organisms.
Give two examples of how DNA barcoding is applied.
- Distinguishing between similar species (e.g., tropical Lepidoptera). 2. Food authentication (e.g., identifying fish species or detecting undesirable components in food products like tea).
What is the size range of a nanoparticle?
Between 1 and 100 nanometres in diameter.
Are nanoparticles only produced synthetically?
No, they occur widely in nature, found in interplanetary dust, atmospheric dust, and many viruses. Naturally-occurring examples include iron oxides/sulphides, silver, and gold.
Which nanoparticle ingredients are commonly added to cosmetics for sun protection?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
Which nanoparticle ingredients might be added to cosmetics for antimicrobial properties?
Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au) nanoparticles.
What are the two main categories of human exposure to nanoparticles?
- Primarily occupational exposure during research/production. 2. Consumer exposure during the usage and application of nanomaterial-based products.
Was Covishield an mRNA-based vaccine?
No, it was a recombinant chimpanzee adenovirus vector vaccine encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.
What type of vaccine is Sputnik V?
An adenovirus viral vector vaccine for COVID-19, developed in Russia.
What type of vaccine is Covaxin?
An indigenous Indian vaccine using inactivated pathogen (Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell derived platform technology) developed by Bharat Biotech.
What are probiotics?
Live microorganisms (like bacteria and yeasts) intended to provide health benefits when consumed or applied to the body.
Where can probiotics be found?
In yoghurt, other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products.
What is a biofilm?
A thin, often resistant layer of microorganisms (like bacteria) that forms on and coats surfaces, frequently embedded in a self-produced matrix (EPS).
Give examples of surfaces where biofilms can form.
Metals, plastics, rocks, medical implants, kitchen counters, contact lenses, swimming pools, human/animal tissue.
How do biofilms exhibit antibiotic resistance?
The biofilm matrix shields the embedded bacteria from antibiotics and helps them survive harsh conditions.
How are recombinant vector vaccines created?
Using genetic engineering techniques (like recombinant DNA creation, gene cloning, gene transfer) often employing a viral or bacterial vector.
What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?
An IVF technique where a woman’s faulty mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is replaced with healthy mtDNA from a donor egg.
Which parent are mitochondrial genes typically inherited from in humans?
The mother, because the egg cell contributes most of the mitochondria to the offspring.
When was Bollgard I Bt cotton approved for commercialization in India?
2002
When was Bollgard II technology approved in India?
Mid-2006.
What pest is Bollgard I primarily designed to resist?
The American Bollworm (Heliothis Armigera).
What is the source of the insecticidal protein in Bollgard I cotton?
A naturally occurring soil microorganism, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
What two genes provide protection in Bollgard II technology?
Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab.
What are the benefits of Bollgard II technology?
Protection against bollworms and Spodoptera caterpillars, better boll retention, maximum yield potential, lower pesticide costs, and insect resistance protection.
Can viruses be grown in synthetic culture media?
No, viruses require a living host cell for replication because they lack their own metabolic machinery.
What type of genetic material forms the genome of an adenovirus?
A single linear molecule of double-stranded DNA.
What common illness can adenoviruses cause?
The common cold.
What is an example of a disease caused by a retrovirus?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
What protein on human cell surfaces does the SARS-CoV-2 virus bind to for entry?
ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2).
What is the role of ACE2 in the body, besides being a viral receptor?
It’s an enzyme involved in the renin-angiotensin system, regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
What is the purpose of pronuclear transfer in the context of IVF and mitochondrial diseases?
To prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from mother to child by replacing defective mitochondria in the fertilized egg with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.
What does it mean for embryonic stem cells to be pluripotent?
They can divide into more stem cells or differentiate into any type of cell in the body.
Can genetic changes (variants) be introduced into the cells that produce eggs or sperm (germline cells)?
Yes.
What is another term for inherited genetic variants present in egg or sperm cells?
Germline variants.
What is the CRISPR-Cas9 system used for?
It is a powerful gene-editing tool used to add, remove, or change specific DNA sequences, potentially modifying disease-causing genes in embryos.
Why are pigs considered a potentially superior model for human regenerative medicine using iPS cells?
Their organ size, physiology, and anatomy are more similar to humans than those of rodents.
What bacterium causes pneumococcal disease?
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
What are some diseases caused by pneumococcal infections?
Pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and meningitis.
How does the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine help combat antibiotic resistance?
By reducing the incidence of pneumococcal disease, it lessens the need for antibiotic use, which in turn has helped decrease the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Can functional chromosomes be created by joining DNA segments from different species?
No, the text indicates functional chromosomes cannot be created this way, although functional genes can be transferred or created.
What is RNA interference (RNAi)?
A natural biological process triggered by double-stranded RNA that silences specific genes (Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing), mediating resistance to pathogens and regulating gene expression.
List applications of RNAi technology.
Functional genomics, developing therapies (for viral infections, cancers, neurological disorders), and creating pest/virus-resistant crop plants.
Does genetic predisposition cause multi-drug resistance in microbes?
No, multi-drug resistance is not related to the host’s genetic predisposition.
What is the primary cause of antibiotic resistance in microbes?
Antibiotic misuse and overuse in humans and animals.
How does antibiotic use in livestock farming contribute to resistance?
It contributes to the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans through direct contact or the food chain.
Who developed the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool?
Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna.
What does CRISPR stand for?
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
Is there currently a vaccine available for Hepatitis C?
No.
Why is the Hepatitis B vaccine sometimes called the first “anti-cancer” vaccine?
Because it prevents chronic Hepatitis B infection, which is a major cause of liver cancer.
Besides sexual contact and injection-drug use, how else is Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmitted?
Through contact with blood or other body fluids (like semen) of an infected person.
How is hybridization made easier in GM Mustard compared to traditional mustard?
The male part (stamen) of the flower in one parental line is made sterile, preventing self-pollination and allowing controlled cross-pollination from another desired parental line.
Does the GM Mustard developed by Delhi University have Bt-like pest resistance?
No, the text states it is herbicide-tolerant and the soil bacterium gene involved does not confer broad pest resistance.
Who developed the GM Mustard variety discussed in the text?
Scientists at the University of Delhi, with part-funding from the Department of Biotechnology.
What is the primary vector for the Zika virus?
The Aedes mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti.
List transmission routes for the Zika virus other than mosquito bites.
Mother to fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact, transfusion of blood/blood products, and organ transplantation.
What is genomic sequencing?
A laboratory method used to determine the entire genetic makeup (genome) of a specific organism or cell type.
How does genomic sequencing benefit plant breeders?
It helps identify genetic markers for desirable traits like disease resistance, drought tolerance, and flood tolerance, and can reduce the time needed to develop new crop varieties.
What is Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)?
A technology involving transferring the nucleus (containing DNA) from a somatic cell into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed.
What are the main application areas for SCNT?
Reproductive cloning (especially of farm animals with exceptional traits or endangered species), therapeutic cloning, and basic research.
What was the first mammal cloned using SCNT?
Dolly the sheep, born in 1996.
What is a transcriptome?
The full range of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules expressed by an organism at a given time.
Why is understanding the transcriptome important?
It’s essential for interpreting genome function, understanding the molecular components of cells/tissues, and understanding development and disease processes.
What is ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India?
A health mission focused on the full immunization of children and pregnant women with all available vaccines.
How can nanotechnology be applied in cancer treatment?
For targeted drug delivery, potentially overcoming drug resistance.
Can nanotechnology contribute to gene therapy?
Yes, for example, through Gene Theranostics which combines nanoparticles, gene therapy, and medical imaging.
List three products that can be derived from maize (corn).
Starch (via wet milling), Biodiesel (from extracted corn oil), Alcoholic beverages (ethanol source).
Does plant grafting or budding result in genetically modified or transgenic crops?
No.
What is cytoplasmic male sterility used for in crop plants?
It is widely used in hybrid breeding programs because it provides a convenient way to control pollination and ensure cross-fertilization.
List three gene silencing techniques used in horticultural applications.
RNA interference (RNAi), transcriptional gene silencing, and virus-induced gene silencing.
Does Recombinant DNA technology allow gene transfer between different plant species?
Yes.
Does Recombinant DNA technology allow gene transfer from animals to plants?
Yes.
Does Recombinant DNA technology allow gene transfer from microorganisms to higher organisms?
Yes.
What is an environmental benefit of Sea-Buckthorn mentioned in the text?
It helps in controlling soil erosion and preventing desertification.
What are some benefits of Sea-Buckthorn besides its nutritional value?
It helps in nitrogen fixation in cold/desert areas and aids in controlling soil erosion.
Is Sea-Buckthorn considered a rich source of biodiesel?
No.
In which regions of India does Sea-Buckthorn naturally grow?
In the cold deserts of Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Can stem cells only be derived from mammals?
No, they can also be derived from birds, other animals, and plants.
What is a potential application of stem cells in drug development?
They can be used for screening new drugs; for example, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer a platform for high-throughput screening.
How are stem cells used in medical therapies?
In stem cell transplants, they replace cells damaged by chemotherapy or disease, or help the donor’s immune system fight certain cancers and blood-related diseases (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma) using adult stem cells or umbilical cord blood.
Can Genetically Modified (GM) plants be engineered to withstand drought?
Yes, this is a potential application, especially relevant for rainfed agriculture.
Can genetic engineering be used to increase the nutritional value of crops?
Yes, an example being Golden Rice developed by IRRI.
Can genetic engineering improve the shelf life of plants?
Yes, traits for improved shelf life can be engineered, potentially reducing wastage.
How is Bt brinjal genetically modified?
By inserting a gene (cry1Ac) from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the brinjal genome.
Are the seeds of Bt brinjal “terminator seeds” (sterile)?
No, the text states this is a myth and the seeds can be saved and replanted by farmers.
What specific insect pests does the Bt gene in Bt Brinjal provide resistance against?
Lepidopteran insects like the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB - Leucinodes orbonalis) and the Fruit Borer (Helicoverpa armigera).
What is a microbial fuel cell (MFC)?
A bio-electrochemical system or device that converts chemical energy from organic substrates into electrical energy using the action of microorganisms.
Can MFCs be integrated into wastewater treatment processes?
Yes, they can be installed in wastewater treatment plants and potentially address issues faced by traditional methods.
How can DNA sequencing be applied in livestock management?
To determine the pedigree (ancestry) of livestock, which aids in breed selection, conservation, understanding disease causes, increasing disease resistance, and maintaining genetic diversity.
Can genome sequencing help in understanding the cause of all human diseases?
No, because not all human diseases are caused by changes in DNA that sequencing can detect.
What is Mon 863?
A genetically modified (Bt) maize variety developed by Monsanto for resistance against the corn rootworm pest.
What gene provides pest resistance in Mon 863 maize?
The cry3Bb1 gene.
What is bioremediation?
A branch of biotechnology using living organisms (like microbes and bacteria) to remove contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil, water, and other environments.
What is an example of bioremediation application?
Cleaning up contaminated groundwater or environmental problems like oil spills (e.g., using Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
What are bio-fertilizers?
Soil-friendly microbial inoculants, like Blue-green algae (BGA), that enhance crop yield by providing nutrients (e.g., fixing atmospheric nitrogen) in a plant-usable form.
Why are bio-fertilizers considered a good alternative to chemical fertilizers?
They are eco-friendly, easy to apply, non-toxic, and cost-effective.
What is the local name for Pongamia pinnata?
Karanja.
What are some key characteristics of the Pongamia pinnata (Karanja) tree?
It’s a non-edible oil source, fixes nitrogen, is drought-tolerant, not grazed by animals, can grow in harsh conditions (water-logged, saline soil, wasteland), controls soil erosion, and has medicinal properties.
What is the approximate oil content of Pongamia pinnata seeds?
30-40%.
What are common feedstocks for producing fuel ethanol?
Sugars fermented from starches of grains (corn, sorghum, barley) or directly from sugar cane and sugar beets.
What is the stated goal of India’s National Policy on Biofuels, 2018?
To enable the availability of biofuels in the market, thereby increasing their blending percentage.
What was the target timeline for Oil Marketing Companies to sell petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol?
From April 1st, 2023 onwards.
What is India’s target for ethanol blending in petrol by the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26?
20% blending.
What is the indicative target for biodiesel blending in diesel by 2030?
5% blending or direct sale.
What properties must a molecule possess to act as genetic material?
It must be stable chemically and structurally.
Why is DNA considered a better genetic material than RNA in terms of stability?
The complementary double-stranded structure makes DNA chemically less reactive and structurally more stable compared to RNA.
Besides being genetic material in some viruses, what other roles does RNA perform?
It functions as a messenger, adapter, structural molecule, and sometimes as a catalytic molecule (ribozyme).
Which mutates faster, DNA or RNA?
RNA mutates at a faster rate because it is less stable than DNA.
What is genetic engineering (or genetic modification)?
A process using laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism, such as changing base pairs, deleting regions, or adding new DNA segments.
What is the function of Restriction Endonucleases in genetic engineering?
They act like molecular scissors, splitting double-stranded DNA at specific, limited recognition sites.
What is the primary biological role of DNA ligases?
To seal single-stranded “nicks” or breaks in double-stranded DNA by forming phosphodiester bonds, essential in processes like DNA replication and repair.
What is DNA fingerprinting used for in forensic science?
To establish a link between biological evidence (like blood, semen, hair, etc.) and a suspect in a criminal investigation, or to establish paternity.
What is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)?
A bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil.
How does the protein produced by Bt kill certain insects?
When ingested by insects with alkaline digestive tracts, the protein disrupts their digestive system, leading to slow growth and death.
How are insect-resistant Bt crops like Bt cotton created?
By inserting a gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium into the plant’s genome.
What is Terminator Technology in the context of genetically engineered plants?
Technology that genetically engineers plants to produce sterile seeds at harvest.
What was the intended purpose of developing Terminator Technology?
To prevent farmers from saving and replanting harvested seeds, thereby forcing them to purchase new seeds from the seed/agrochemical company each season.
