Reproductive Technology

Question 1

What is Taq DNA polymerase

Answer 1

An enzyme that can join up to tens of thousands of nucleotides in minutes. Obtained from thermophiles so tolerant to hot emperatures and does not denature as easily

Question 2

Define a primer

Answer 2

A short single stranded piece of DNA typically 6-25 nucleotides in length that are complementary to the bases at the start of the DNA fragment you want to produce

Question 3

Define a thermocycler

Answer 3

Computer controlled machine that varies temperature precisely over time

Question 4

Define a stem cell

Answer 4

And undifferentiated cell capable of diving and giving rise to daughter cells, which can develop into different types of specialised cell or remain as undifferentiated stem cells

Question 5

Define an embryonic/totipotent stem cell

Answer 5

Undifferentiated cells found in 3-5 day old embryos that can form every cell type in the body

Question 6

Define a multipotent/adult stem cell

Answer 6

An undifferentiated cell found in adult tissues and can replace cells that are lost through normal wear and tear. They can only for a few types of cells