unit: 2 - Genetic control of metabolism

Question 1

How can wild strains of micro-organisms be improved?

Answer 1

Wild strains of micro-organisms can be improved by mutagenesis, or recombinant DNA technology.

Question 2

How does micro-organisms get mutated?

Answer 2

Exposure to UV light and other forms of radiation or mutagenic chemicals results in mutations, some of which may produce an improved strain of micro-organism.

Question 3

What are vectors in recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 3

Recombinant DNA technology involves the use of recombinant plasmids and artificial chromosomes as vectors.

Question 4

What are vectors used for in recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 4

A vector is a DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic information into another cell and both plasmids and artificial chromosomes are used as vectors during recombinant DNA technology.

Question 5

why are artificial chromosomes preferred over plasmids?

Answer 5

Artificial chromosomes are preferable to plasmids as vectors when larger fragments of foreign DNA are required to be inserted.

Question 6

What leaves sticky ends?

Answer 6

Restriction endonucleases cut open plasmids and specific genes out of chromosomes, leaving sticky ends.

Answer 7

Complementary sticky ends are produced when the same restriction endonuclease is used to cut open the plasmid and the gene from the chromosome.