Topic 7: Genetic Control of Metabolism Flashcards
How come wild strains of microorganisms be improved?
Mutagenesis or recombinant DNA technology
How can genetic variation be increased by mutagenesis?
Through exposure to UV light and other forms of radiation or mutagenic chemicals resulting in a mutation
What colour mutation produce?
An improved strain of micro organism
What does recombinant DNA technology involve the use of?
Recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes as vectors
What is the vector?
A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic information into another cell
What are both plasmids and artificial chromosomes used as?
Both are used as vectors during recombinant DNA technology
When are artificial chromosomes more preferable to plasmids as vectors?
When larger fragments of foreign DNA are required to be inserted
What is the function of restriction endonucleases?
To cut open plasmids on specific genes out of chromosomes, leaving sticky ends
When are complementary sticky ends produced?
They are produced when the same restriction endonuclease is used to cut open the plasmid on the gene from the chromosome
What is ligase?
Ligase seals the gene into the plasmid
What do you recombinant plasmid and artificial chromosomes contain?
Restriction sites, regulatory sequences, an origin of replication and selectable markers
What do restriction sites contain?
Target sequences of DNA were specific restriction endonucleases are cut
What do you regulatory sequences control?
Gene expression
The origin of replication allows for what to occur?
Self replication of the plasmid/artificial chromosome
How can selective markers protect a micro organism from a selective agent (such as an antibiotic)?
By protecting the micro organism from the selective agent (antibiotic) that would normally kill it or prevent it from growing
