Module Four Flashcards
what is cloning?
A sequence of DNA is inserted into a plasmid vector. This vector can then be put into a cell
what do cloned genes tell us?
- the sequence of the gene and the protein
- leads to the function of the gene
- manipulate the gene
how can we manipulate the gene?
- mutate the gene
- Insert the gene into the cell or tissue of an organism
- Make large amounts of protein
what is a clone?
a large number of identical cells or molecules with a single ancestral cell or molecule
what is a DNA cloning vector?
a carrier DNA molecule that allows attached DNA to be replicated in a cell
what are examples of DNA cloning vectors?
plasmids and viruses
what is a restriction enzyme?
an enzyme that recognizes and cleaves DNA at specific sequences
what is an example of a restriction enzyme?
EcoRI cleaves at the palindrome GGAATTC
what do we have to consider when cloning a gene?
- What DNA do we use?
- What vector do we use?
- Once we have cloned our DNA what do we do?
why are plasmids ideal cloning vectors?
- well-characterized (sequence and function of genes known)
- small and easy to purify and manipulate
what are the useful features of plasmid vectors?
- sequence known
- an origin of replication
- a selectable marker
- Unique restriction enzyme cleavage sites
- Easy methods to screen for recombinants
- Can often have high copy numbers
what must a plasmid vector contain?
selectable marker
an origin of replication
unique restriction enzyme site
what are the 4 steps for cloning a piece of DNA?
- restriction
- ligation
- transformation
- selection
what is involved in restriction?
the plasmid vector and the DNA fragment of interest must be digested with a restriction enzyme to produce ‘sticky ends’
what is involved in ligation?
the DNA fragment of interest must be ligated into a plasmid vector
what is involved in transformation?
the ligated vector must be transformed into a bacterial host
what is involved in selection?
bacterial colonies carrying the plasmid with the DNA fragment of interest must be selected from those that do not
what are the steps for making a plasmid clone?
- cut a plasmid (vector) and DNA to be cloned with the same restriction enzyme
- use DNA ligase to insert the DNA into the plasmid
what is the sequence of an EcoRI restriction site?
AATT
how does ligase join DNA?
through covalent bonds
what is hybridization?
when the DNA is inserted into the plasmid
what is the process of transformation?
cella are made ‘competent’ to take up DNA by treating with ice-cold CaCl2, mixed with DNA and then heat-shocked at 42 degrees celcuis
what is electroporation?
when cells are made competent to take up DNA by treatment with an electric fied
what are the two methods to make cells competent?
- electroporation
- Treatment with ice-cold CaCl2
when is a bacterial colony blue on a color screening plate?
when the bacteria can cleave X-gal
They have active Beta-gal
when is a bacterial colony white on a color screening plate?
when the bacteria cannot cleave X-gal
Have inactive Beta-gal so the DNA insert must have disrupted the gene
what are the features of the pUC vector?
- lacl gene encodes the repressor
- IPTG must be added to induce the lacZ gene
- IPTG binds the lac repressor, acts like allolactose
- However not broken down by beta-gal