Manipulating genomes Flashcards
what does VNTR stand for?
variable number tandem repeats
what are tandem repeats?
repetitive segments of DNA that do not code for proteins
what are the (4) steps in gene transfer?
- identify and isolate the desired gene
- make many copies of the gene using PCR
- insert the gene into a vector
- use vector to deliver the gene into recipient cells
what are sticky ends?
short overhangs of unpaired bases on cut DNA
the 3 stages of PCR (and the temps)
- denaturation, 95
- annealing, 55
- elongation, 72
what happens at each stage of the PCR?
denaturation: hydrogen bonds between complementary bases are broken to separate the two DNA strands
annealing: primers anneal (bind y hydrogen bonding) to one end of each strand of DNA
elongation: TAQ polymerase joins to primer and catalyses the addition of nucleotides
role of vectors in gene transfer
to deliver the gene into cells
what does it mean if a DNA sequence is palindromic?
it reads the same forwards and backwards
what is a primer?
a short, single-stranded DNA fragment that provides the starting point for DNA synthesis
difference between germ line gene therapy and somatic cell gene therapy
germ line gene therapy = inserting functional alleles into gametes or zygotes
somatic cell gene therapy = inserting functional alleles into body cells
when proteins go through gel electrophoresis, what are they treated with beforehand and why?
a denaturing chemical agent (e.g. SDS) to standardise their charge
what does STR stand for?
short tandem repeats
difference between VNTRs and STRs
STRs are shorter than VNTRs
what are tandem repeats?
short sections of DNA that do not code for proteins
the steps in DNA profiling
- obtain DNA from individual
- digest DNA with restriction enzymes into fragments
- separate fragments by gel electrophoresis
- banding pattern seen and compared
