Topic 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology

Question 1

Define gel electrophoresis

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate and isolate proteins or DNA fragments based on mass / size

Question 2

Define DNA profiling

Answer 2

DNA profiling is a technique by which individuals can be identified and compared via their respective DNA profiles

Question 3

What is the first step of gene transfer?

Answer 3

Isolation of gene and vector (by PCR)

Question 4

After Isolation of gene and vector (by PCR), what is the next step of gene transfer?

Answer 4

Digestion of gene and vector (by restriction endonuclease)

Question 5

After Digestion of gene and vector (by restriction endonuclease), what is the next step of gene transfer?

Answer 5

Ligation of gene and vector (by DNA ligase)

Question 6

After Ligation of gene and vector (by DNA ligase), what is the next step of last transfer?

Answer 6

Selection and expression of transgenic construct

Question 7

Define clones

Answer 7

Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms or a group of cells derived from a single original parent cell

Question 8

How are clones produced?

Answer 8

somatic cell nuclear transfer

Question 9

What is the first step of somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Answer 9

Somatic cells are removed from the adult donor and cultured (these cells are diploid and contain the entire genome)

Question 10

After Somatic cells are removed from the adult donor and cultured (these cells are diploid and contain the entire genome) what is the next step of somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Answer 10

An unfertilised egg is removed from a female adult and its haploid nucleus is removed to produce an enucleated egg cell

Question 11

After An unfertilised egg is removed from a female adult and its haploid nucleus is removed to produce an enucleated egg cell what is the next step of somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Answer 11

The enucleated egg cell is fused with the nucleus from the adult donor to make a diploid egg cell (with the donor’s DNA)

Question 12

After The enucleated egg cell is fused with the nucleus from the adult donor to make a diploid egg cell (with the donor’s DNA what is the next step of somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Answer 12

An electric current is then delivered to stimulate the egg to divide and develop into an embryo

Question 13

After An electric current is then delivered to stimulate the egg to divide and develop into an embryo what is the last step of somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Answer 13

The embryo is then implanted into the uterus of a surrogate and will develop into a genetic clone of the adult donor

Question 14

Define reproductive cloning

Answer 14

Reproductive cloning: If the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate, a new cloned organism will develop

Question 15

Define therapeutic cloning

Answer 15

Therapeutic cloning: Embryonic cells can be induced to differentiate to create specific tissues or organs for transplantation

Question 16

Define gene therapy

Answer 16

Gene therapy is the insertion of genes into an individual’s cells to treat hereditary diseases by replacing defective alleles