Molecular Genetics Flashcards

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1
Q

Define gene

A
  • A sequence of nucleotides that code for 1 polypeptide
  • A segment of DNA
  • A unit of inheritance
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2
Q

Describe the structure of DNA

A

DNA:
- Consists of 2 strands of DNA molecules twisted around each other in a double helix structure
———
- The basic unit of DNA Is a nucleotide consisting of 1 phosphate group, 1 nitrogenous base, and 1 deoxyribose sugar.
- Many nucleotides join tgt via covalent bonds to form a polynucleotide.
———
- Polynucleotide strands run in anti-parallel directions
- and are joined tgt based on the rule of complementary base pairing:
———
- Adenine pairs with Thymine via 2 Hydrogen bonds
- Cytosine pairs with guanine via 3 Hydrogen bonds

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3
Q

Why do some cell have X-shaped chromosomes

A

They are just about to carry out mitosis so their chromosomes double

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4
Q

Making transgenetic bacteria that produces insulin

A
  1. Obtain the fragment of DNA in human chromosome that contains the insulin gene
  2. Cut the insulin gene using a restriction enzyme to produce 2 sticky ends
    - A sticky end is a single strand of DNA bases
  3. Obtain a DNA plasmid from a bacterium cell
  4. Use the same restriction enzyme to cut the bacterium plasmid and produce 2 complementary sticky ends
  5. Use DNA ligase to join the insulin gene w/ the bacterium plasmid forming a recombinant plasmid
  6. Mix the recombinant plasmid & bacterium cell tgt
  7. Apply temporary heat shock to open up the pores of the bacterium cell membrane so the recombinant plasmid can enter
    ——
  8. Transgenetic bacteria is produced & grown in fermenters at optimum temperature, pH & w/ nutrients
  9. Insulin protein from transgenetic bacteria must be extracted & purified b4 use
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5
Q

Benefits of genetic engineering & explanations

A
  1. ## Health Low costs of producing medicines
  2. Econ & environ Production of crops that produce toxins to kill pests
    - No need to use pesticides that cost $$
    - Less pesticides that are harm to environment are used. Like pesticides that cause euthrophication
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6
Q

Ethical & social implications

A
  1. Genetic engineering technology may only be accessible to wealthier people and not poorer people.
    - Greater divide between the rich and poor
    -
  2. For antibiotics Antibiotic gene may be transferred to bacteria, making diseases caused by bacteria harder to treat
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