Lecture 9: Biotechnology Flashcards
1
Q
What are the problems associated with sourcing proteins from humans?
A
Proteins purified from human sources have increased risk of contamination with human pathogens e.g hepatitis, HIV
- which can be passed on to the patient being treated
2
Q
What are the problems associated with sourcing proteins from animal sources?
A
- Animal protein sequences differ compared to human protein sequences
- Proteins often cause immune responses in human or the protein may function if a different manner compared to human proteins
3
Q
What are the disadvantages and advantages of using recombinant DNA technology to make proteins ?
e.g using bacterial plasmids and vectors
A
Advantages: relatively low cost, high yield, pathogen free
Disadvantages: proteins often partially fold, inability to perform post-translational modifications
4
Q
What are the main structural features of Erythropoietin, EPO?
Where is it produced?
A
- Is a glycoprotein, is PTM, undergoes glycosylation
- Small protein - 163 amino acids
- Comprised of 4 alpha-helices
- synthesis and release is regulated by blood oxygen levels
- produced mainly in the kidney
5
Q
What are the functions of EPO?
A
- Stimulates the development of RBC’s in bone marrow
- Stimulates the production of haemoglobin in RBC
- EPO is used to treat anaemia
