Unit 21 Flashcards
Why are bacteria useful in biotechnology and genetic modification
due to their rapid reproduction rate and their ability to make complex molecules
why is bacteria used in biotechnology
few ethical concerns over their manipulation and growth
the presence of plasmids
describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast for the production of ethanol
when yeast respires anaerobically, it produces ethanol as a byproduct.
ethanol can then be used for biofuels
role of anaerobic respiration in yeast during breadmaking
when yeast respires anaerobically, carbon dioxide is produced. This carbon dioxide is essential to making the bread rise
what is the role of pectinase in fruit juice production
pectinase breaks down pectin which is found in the cell walls. This releases the cell contents producing more juice
also makes the juice clearer
describe the use of biological washing powders that contain enzymes
Biological washing powders contain enzymes similar to the digestive enzymes produced in the alimentary canal that help to break down large food molecules at suitable temperatures
enzymes get denatured at higher temperatures
use of lactase in lactose free milk
lactase breaks down lactose
used to create lactose free milk
what are fermenters used for
used for the large scale production of useful products by bacteria and fungi
such as insulin, penicillin and mycoprotein
what conditions need to be controlled in a fermenter
temperature, pH, oxygen, nutrient supplying, waste products
what is genetic modification
changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes
describe the process of genetic modification
1) isolation of the DNA making up a human gene using restriction enzymes, forming sticky ends
2) cutting of bacterial plasmid DNA with the same restriction enzymes, forming complementary sticky ends
3) insertion of human DNA into bacterial plasmid DNA using DNA ligase to form a recombinant plasmid
4) insertion of recombinant plasmids into bacteria
5) multiplication of bacteria containing recombinant plasmids
where can genetic modification be used
the insertion of human genes into bacteria to produce human proteins
the insertion of genes into crop plants to confer resistance to herbicides, insect pests and to improve nutritional qualities
advantages of genetically modifying crops
more nutritious and tasty food
less use of pesticides
faster growing plants
reduced shelf life
disadvantages of genetically modified crops
may cause allergic reactions
may increase antibiotic resistance
