restriction enzymes Flashcards
5.12
what is genetic modification?
changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting genes
what are species that have been modified known as?
genetically modified organisms- GMO’s
what can GMO’s also be called?
transgenic organisms
what needs to happen before genetic modification can occur?
the section of DNA to be transferred has to be identified
what happens once the gene has been identified?
it can be cut out of the DNA using enzymes called restriction enzymes
what do restriction enzymes act as?
dna scissors
what bonds do the restriction enzymes break?
the bonds in the DNNA backbone
what happens when the DNA is cut?
there are exposed bases at the end of a strand without a pair
what is created due to the exposed DNA bases at the site of the cuts?
sticky ends
what can sticky ends do?
easily bind to other exposed bases that are complementary to their sequence due to complementary base pairing
what is the bacterial plasmid cut with?
the same restriction enzyme
why is using the same restriction enzyme important?
to ensure they have the same sticky end bases for complementary base pairing
what happens once the plasmid has been cut?
take the prepared gene and insert it into the gene
how do the bases of the section of DNA join?
by complementary base pairing
what is the name of the enzyme that is used to stick the 2 pieces of DNA together?
DNA ligase
what does DNA ligase act as?
DNA glue by helping to form chemical bonds between the fragments
whst is the new DNA that has been produced called?
recombinant plasmid because it contains DNA from 2 species
what is the recombinant plasmid then inserted into?
a bacterial cell, acting as a vector for the DNA
WHAT DOES THE PLASMID ACT AS?
A VECTOR AS IT IS USED TO CARRY HUMAN DNA INTO THE CELL
what happens once the bacteria has been successfully modified?
it is extracted and placed in nutrients that will allow it to reproduce asexually- making identical copies of itself, including the recombinant plasmid
what happens to the insulin afterwards?
it can then be extracted from the bacteria and purified
what can vectors be used for?
to carry the DNA of one organism into another
what is another example of genetically modifing organisms?
cutting genes from human chromosomes and inserting them into the plasmid of a bacterium
