U2 KA7 Genetic Control Of Metabolism

Question 1

How can wild strains of micro-organisms be improved?

Answer 1

Through mutagenesis or recombinant DNA technology.

Question 2

What does recombinant DNA technology involve?

Answer 2

The use of recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes as vectors.

Question 3

What are the roles of restriction endonucleases and ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 3

Restriction endonucleases cut DNA at specific sequences, and ligase joins the DNA fragments (sticky ends) together.

Question 4

What features do recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes contain?

Answer 4

Restriction sites, regulatory sequences, an origin of replication, and selectable markers.

Question 5

What safety mechanism is used in recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 5

Genes are often introduced to prevent the survival of the microorganism in an external environment.

Question 6

How are recombinant yeast cells used in biotechnology?

Answer 6

Recombinant yeast cells are used to produce active forms of proteins that are inactive in bacteria. The yeast cells can from proteins that are transcribed, translated and folded correctly that bacteria otherwise cant.