Module 10

Question 1

What are epigenetics?

Answer 1

Chemical tags attached to DNA sequences that are acquired over a lifetime and influence gene expression.

Question 2

What is CRISPR?

Answer 2

A tool for targeting, splicing, and editing DNA. It utilizes specifically designed guide mRNA and a bacterial DNA-cutting enzyme system.

Question 3

What do vaccines do?

Answer 3

They expose the individual to the antigen to initiate an immune response and production of antibodies to prevent future illnesses.

Question 4

What is a big idea of Module 10?

Answer 4

Every cell has every gene-the cell’s genetic potential-combinations of genes are expressed to allow cells to differeniate and specialize; stem cells are cells that have not differentiated and still have that genetic potential.

Question 5

What charge does DNA have?

Answer 5

Negative.

Question 6

What is the process of reproductive cloning?

Answer 6

Somatic cell nuclear transfer. You take an adult cell as the DNA donor and “deprogram” it and fuses it to a enucleated egg. Puts early embryo into a surrogate and allows the gestate and be born. The clone is genetically identical to the donor of the adult cell.

Question 7

What is the process of molecular cloning? (Clone a gene)

Answer 7

Isolate the target gene, insert the target gene into a bacterial plasmid, get the plasmid back into the bacteria, grow the bacteria, and collect the protein produced using the target DNA instructions. Many applications include the production of insulin.

Question 8

What is gel electrophoresis?

Answer 8

A method of separating DNA fragments based on size. (Smaller DNA fragments travel further a gel)