manipulating genomes Flashcards
what does a PCR allow scientists to do
produce a lot of DNA from tiniest original sample
(amplify the DNA)
from 1 million to 10 billion copies
requirements for PCR
DNA sample
excess triphosphate of the 4 bases
enzyme DNA polymerase
PCR machine (thermal cycler)
primers
Mg2+ cofactor for DNA polymerase
what are the excess triphosphate of the 4 bases called in PCR
dNTP’s (deoxynucleotide triphosphate)
what DNA polymerase enzyme is used in PCR & why
Tap polymerase (from thermophilic bacterium = Archaea)
what does Mg2+ cofactor allow for in PCR
enables tight binding between active site and substrate
what are primers and what are they used for in PCR
short sequences of bases
site of attachment for Taq polymerase to bind
stages of PCR
- denaturation of double stranded DNA
- annealing of primers
- elongation/synthesis of DNA
denaturation of double stranded DNA (step 1 of PCR) description
H bonds are broken between the 2 strands to form 2 separate strands (normally carried out in the body by helicase enzyme)
what temperature is denaturation of double stranded DNA (step 1 of PCR) carried out at
90-95C
annealing of primers (step 2 of PCR) description
primers bind to 3’ end of DNA
needed for DNA/Taq polymerase to attach and start replication
primers bind by H bonds
what temperature is annealing of primers (step 2 of PCR) carried out at
55-68C
elongation/synthesis of DNA (step 3 of PCR) description
Taq polymerase moves from 5’ to 3’ direction, forming phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides
complementary strand of DNA formed
what temperature is elongation (step 3 of PCR) carried out, why at and for how long
71-75C (optimum temperature for Taq polymerase)
for at least 1 minute
how many copies of DNA sample does 30 cycles of PCR give
about 1 billion
in PCR, how is size of DNA sample said to grow
exponentially (it is logarithmic)
how many fragments of DNA after 5 PCR cycles
2^5= 32
log32= 1.51
10^1.51 fragments
what is electrophoresis (general)
a technique used in laboratories in order to separate macromolecules (DNA or proteins) based on size
how accurate is electrophoresis
accurate enough to separate nucleic acid fragments that are different buy only 1 base in length
what is agarose
carbohydrate mesh compatible w DNA/protein in electrophoresis
what does electrophoresis use as medium
a gel ‘plate’ or ‘slab’ containing agarose which is covered in a buffer solution
purpose of buffer solution in electrophoresis
allows electrical current to travel across whole tank
what is attached at each end of gel in electrophoresis and why
electrodes
so a current can be passed through it
step by step basic procedure to separate DNA fragments in electrophoresis
- dna samples treated w restriction enzymes to cut large fragments to smaller fragments
- dna samples placed in wells cut in negative electrode (cathode) end of gel
- gel immersed in tank of buffer solution and an elec current passed through solution for fixed time period (usually 2 hr)
- DNA is -vely charged, so attracted to +ve electrode (so DNA fragments diffuse through gel towards +ve electrode end (anode))
- shorter lengths of DNA move faster and so move further in fixed time that current is passed through gel
- position of fragments can be shown using dyes that stain DNA molecules OR southern blotting can be used w radioactive probes if a particular sequence is being searched for
what is negative electrode called
cathode
what is positive electrode called
anode
why is DNA negatively charged
because of the many phosphoryl (phosphate) groups (-ve sugar phosphate backbone)
how can position of fragments be shown after electrophoresis
use dyes that stain DAN molecules
us Southern blotting and radioactive probes (if a particular sequence is being searched for)
why do different proteins move less/more far through gel in electrophoresis
proteins have different R groups so different 3D shapes (tertiary structures) and overall charges which would affect movement through gel
method used to cancel out charges of protein R groups
SDS PAGE
how does SDS page work?
when a protein mixture is heated in presence of SDS, the protein is denatured (reverts to its primary structure) and so charges and hydrophobic regions are exposed
the SDS detergent wraps around the polypeptide backbone so that the intrinsic charges of polypeptides become negligible when compares to the -ve charges contributed by SDS
SDS binds to proteins in proportion to what
what does this result in
their RMM
a molecule with a uniform mass:charge ratio
this means they can be separated on the basis of their size
results of SDS PAGE to proteins
all proteins now linear (straight chains of amino acids)
all molecules negatively charged so all move in same direction in gel (attracted to anode)
small molecule move through gel faster (bc lower RMM)
standards of known mass run in adjacent lanes for comparison (control/baseline)
proteins obtained from gel for identification
uses of SDS PAGE
analysis of haemoglobin for diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia (missense mutation w 1 amino acid change)
urine protein electrophoresis (proteins w/ an MR >69000 are able to pass into BC)
analysis of plasma proteins for diagnosis
how much DNA is used when an individuals DNA is profiled
short sections of non-coding DNA (satellite DNA, does not code for proteins)
what does a human genome contain
simple repetitive sequences that are scattered throughout our 46 chromosomes which are called Tandem repeats
what are variable number tandem repeats
tandem repeats which are highly variable in length
why is every person’s DNA is unique
due to the variable length of their tandem repeats
this can be used to identify them
where do tandem repeats occur
at more than 1000 locations in the genome
what is a DNA probe
short sequence of DNA that binds complementary to certain sequences
stages involved in DNA profiling
extraction
digestion
separation (gel electrophoresis)
separation (southern blotting)
hybridisation
development
describe stage 1 extraction in dna profiling
dna extracted from sample semen, blood, skin cells, hair roots, saliva
PCR used to amplify DNA
describe stage 2 digestion of DNA profiling
strands of DNA are cut into small fragments using restriction endonuclease
different enzymes cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences
all restriction enzymes make 2 cuts: one through each strand of DNA (cuts leave VNTRs intact)
describe stage 3 Gel electrophoresis of DNA profiling
cut fragments separated on basis of charged particles moving through an agarose gel under the influence of an electric current
-ve charged PO4^3- groups cause DNA to move to anode
smaller fragments move further
gel immersed in alkali to separate DNA double helix into single strands
describe stage 4 southern blotting of DNA profiling
single stranded DNA transferred to nylon membrane which is placed over gel
membrane covered w several sheets of dry absorbent paper drawing alkaline solution containing DNA through membranes
DNA unable to pass through membrane and is transferred to same relative position on membrane as in gel
DNA is fixed
describe stage 5 hybridisation of DNA profiling
radioactive or fluorescent probes are added in excess to DNA fragments
DNA probes are short DNA or RNA sequences complementary to known DNA sequence and it binds to it
probes identify VNTRs
describe stage 6 development of DNA profiling
radioactive probes-> x ray image taken -> autoradiograph
fluorescent probes -> UV light and they glow
fragments give a pattern of bars called a DNA profile
unique profile for each person except identical twins
technique is v sensitive and even a trace of DNA left when someone touched an object can produce results
uses of DNA profiling
forensic science
maternity and paternity cases
species identification
identifying individuals at risk of developing particular diseases
uses of DNA profiling: forensic science
criminal convictions:
DNA traces obtained from blood, semen, saliva, hair roots and skin cells. DNA profile compared to sample taken from suspect/criminal database
identification:
victims body parts after air crashes etc
match profiles from descendants of those lost in WW1 w unidentified remains of soldiers
uses of DNA profiling: maternity and paternity cases
half genetic material from mum and half from dad
all bars from child’s profile not matched in 1 parent must be matched in other parent’s profile
uses of DNA profiling: species identificaiton
used to demonstrate evolutionary relationship between different species
uses of DNA profiling: identifying individuals at risk of developing particular diseases
certain non-coding VNTRs have been found to be associated with an increased risk of a particular disease eg various cancers and heart diseases
2 examples of DNA sequencing
Sanger sequencing
pyrosequencing
define the term DNA sequencing
finding the order/sequence of bases/nucleotides in DNA
step by step Sanger sequencing
DNA chopped into fragments and each fragment is sequenced 5’ to 3’ (similar to DNA rep)
DNA for sequencing is mixed w a primer, DNA polymerase and an excess of normal free activated nucleotide and terminator bases
mixture placed in thermal cycler that rapidly changes temp in programmed intervals in a repeated cycle (96C, 50C, 60C)
each time a terminator base is incorporated instead of normal nucleotide, synthesis of DNA stops. (these r present in lower amounts and are added at random, resulting in many DNA fragments of diff lengths)
after many cycles, all possible length DNA chains will be produced
DNA chains separated according to length by capillary sequencing (works like gel electrophoresis in minute capillary tubes and shortest lengths travel fastest)
fluorescent markers on terminator bases used to identify final base of each fragment- lasers detect diff coloured tags and thus order of bases in sequence (of new complementary strand- use to build up sequence in OG DNA strand)
data fed into computer that reassembles genome by comparing all fragments and finding areas of overlap between them
what are terminator bases (used in Sanger sequencing)
modified version of the 4 nucleotides
called ddNTPs (dideoxynucleotide triphosphate)
have H instead of OH on C3
inhibit DNA polymerase
stop DNA synthesis when they are included
what are terminator bases given in Sanger sequencing
different coloured fluorescent tags or radioactive labels
what is a primer (used in Sanger sequencing)
short sequence of DNA that binds complementary to the DNA sample (allows DNA polymerase to attach)
Sanger sequencing DNA polymerase
must be thermostable eg. Taq
must withstand 96C
describe what happened at each temp in Sanger sequencing
96C: double strand of DNA separates to single strands (denaturation)
50C: primer anneals (binds to) DNA strand
60C: DNA polymerase starts to build up new DNA strand by adding nucleotides w complementary bases to ss template DNA
what is pyrosequencing also known as
high throughput sequencing
2 uses of DNA sequencing
bioinformatics
computational biology
what is bioinformatics w/ example use
creating online databases that solve global issues
it allows rapid access to large volumes of data which is universally available
format is the same across all countries
could be used to identify a source of disease outbreak, target most vulnerable individuals and start appropriate treatment
what is computational biology
making comparisons between DNA sequences, which allows comparison of newly discovered sequences and previously discovered sequences
why are bioinformatics and computational biology useful:
facilitate access to large amounts of data
format of information s inuversal
computational biology allows rapid comparison of stored sequences and new sequences eg. can analyse 3000 genes in 100 samples in minutes
genes can be put into clusters which show the same pattern of green expression
can perform statistical analyses
describe genome-wide comparisons between individuals: 2 types
human genome project
analysing genomes of pathogens
how many genes/base pairs does the human genome contain
24000 genes
3 billion base pairs
what is genomics
changing epidemiology (study of distribution and determinants of disease)
what do computerised comparisons between genomes of people with/without a disease allow for
detection of particular mutations that could be responsible for an increased risk of disease
example of using human genome project in epidemiology
mutations of BRCA1 gene linked to breast cancer
what are places where substitutions occur called
effects?
single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs
silent (no effect on protein), missense/nonsense (alter protein or way RNA regulates expression of another gene in some way)
what is methylation
adding a methyl group to certain chemical groups (cytosine and adenine) in DNA
plays a major role in regulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells
what does acetylation do
increase gene transcription
what does methylation in gene promoter region of DNA do
represses gene transcription (DNA wraps more tightly around histones)
what is epigenetics
control of gene expression by modification of DNA (switching genes on/off)
what can methods to map the methylation of whole human genomes help w
helps researchers understand the development of certain diseases
e.g. certain types of cancer & why they may not develop in genetically similar individuals
what does sequencing genomes of pathogens (fast and cheap) allow doctors to do?
find source of an infection eg MRSA
identify antibiotic resistant strains ensuring antibiotics only used when they will be effective (allows selection of a narrow-spectrum antibiotic), which is useful for bacteria that are slow to culture
monitor potenital epidemics e.g. covid 19
many pathogens eg viruses have a high mutation rate and so many strains exist (variants- antigens changing shape)
sequencing DNA allows doctors to identify them and then implement specific treatment plans: give examples
identify targets in the development of drugs
identify genetic markers coding for proteins which act as antigens which can be used in vaccines (allow recognition by immune system)
test to identify who is infected so they can self isolate to decrease transmission. tests look for pathogen antigen in body e.g. lateral flow tests for covid 19
how does bioinformatics allow for species identification
there are particular sections of the genome that are common to all species but vary between them, so comparisons can be made
scientists can determine which species an organism belongs to by comparison to a standard sequence for different species
species identification in animals
uses cytochrome c oxidase (evidence for evolution- look at amino acid sequence)
short section so can be sequenced quickly and cheaply, yet varies enough to give clear differences between species
fewer differences= more recent common ancestor
species identification in plants
cytochrome c oxidase region of DNA does not evolve quickly enough to show differences between species
2 region of DNA in chloroplasts are used
is species identification by bioinformatics available for fungi/bacteria yet
no suitable regions of DNA suitable yet
bioinformatics to find evolutionary relationships (phylogeny)
DNA sequences of diff organisms can be compared bc basic mutation rate of DNA can be calculated
scientists can work out how long ago 2 species diverged from a common ancestor
how do spliceosomes join same exons
single gene may produce several different versions of functional mRNA
coding for different sequences of amino acids- primary structure
resulting in different proteins
resulting in different phenotypes
what is synthetic biology
using GMOs to produce drugs/medicines/useful molecules
OR
synthesis of new genes
what is personalised medicine
the choice/development of a drug is linked to the genotype of the individual
examples of synthetic biology
information storage
production of medicines
novel protein
genetic engineering
use of biological system in industrial contexts
synthesis of new genes or replacement of faulty ones
synthesis of biosensors
food production
production of monoclonal antibodies for targeted drug deliveries
describe information storage (type of synthetic biology)
can encode vast amounts of digital info onto single strands of synthetic DNA
example: production of medicines (type of synthetic biology)
GM E.coli to make human insulin
describe genetic engineering (type of synthetic biology)
e.g. similar to Hb can bind to oxygen but not carbon monoxide
describe use of biological system in industrial contexts (type of synthetic biology)
‘cells’ (chemical cells) to hydrolyse cellulose -> sugars which can be used as liquid fuel
exampleof synthesis of new genes or replacement of faulty ones (type of synthetic biology)
eg treating cystic fibrosis (gene therapy)
example of synthesis of biosensors (type of synthetic biology)
eg GM bacteria that glow if air is polluted with eg petroleum pollutants
describe food production(type of synthetic biology)
decrease fertiliser use by engineering synthetic microbial communities
suggest how the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics may be useful in determining whether a newly-sequence allele causes a genetic disease
base sequences of normal allele &known alternatives are held in database & amino acid sequences of known proteins
info held in universal format
computational analysis allows a rapid comparison between new sequences & previously known sequences
describe differences between DNA profiling and DNA sequencing
DNA profiling produces a fingerprint unique pattern (from specific section of DNA), sequencing doesnt
sequencing determines order of DNA bases, profiling doesnt
explain why only selected sections of non-coding DNA are used when profiling a human
in most people, genomes are very similar
so using coding sequences would not provide unique profiles
non-coding DNA contains short tandem repeats/variable number tandem repeats which vary between individuals
suggest why the binding of SDS to proteins is necessary for protein electrophoresis
standardise mass:charge ratio so fragments are separated out based on size/mass
SDS makes all protein negative so they can be separated like DNA (from -ve to +ve terminals)
what is a DNA probe
a short single-stranded piece of DNA (50-80 nucleotides long) that is complementary to a section of DNA being investigated
what is a DNA probe labelled by
using a radioactive marker (detected by exposure to x-ray)
using a fluorescent marker (emit colour when exposed to UV light)
what do DNA probes bind to
any fragment where a complementary base sequences is present
binding by complementary base pairing is called annealing (H bonds form)
uses of DNA probes
locates specific gene for genetic engineering
identify same gene in a variety of genomes e.g. separate species to show phylogeny
identify presence or absence of allele for a particular genetic disease (could inform genetic counselling)
used in electrophoresis
what do scientists use DNA microarrays for
to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously and reveal the presence of mutated alleles (expression level determined by presence of mRNA)
what does each DNA spot on a microarray contain
a specific DNA sequences (probe)
how does a microarray work
mature mRNA extracted from cells eg tumour and normal cell
mRNA converted to ss cDNA using reverse transcriptase
amplified using PCR
cDNA labelled with fluorescent markers
applied to DNA chip where it anneals to cDNA probes
reference (normal) and test (tumour) DNA samples are labelled w different fluorescent markers
where a test subject or reference marker binds to a particular probe the scan reveals the fluorescence of one colour, indicating the presence of a particular sequence in the DNA
where both bind with a particular probe the fluoresces of both colours is seen
MICROARRAY (red=tumour sample, green=normal sample):
what does red mean
gene highly expressed in tumour cell but not normal cell
MICROARRAY (red=tumour sample, green=normal sample):
what does green mean
gene highly expressed in normal cell but not in tumour cell