Week 2 - Plasmids pt 2

Question 1

How many genes does a typical E. coli genome have?

Answer 1

Approx 4500, while a typical cloning strain has 4200 genes

Question 2

In a stated genotype what is listed and what isn’t

Answer 2

Wild type genes are not listed only mutations or relevant alleles are listed

Question 3

What is an Allele?

Answer 3

It is a variant of a gene which may be detrimental or may have no effect or might even be beneficial to the phenotype

Question 4

What is a mutation?

Answer 4

A change in the nucleotide sequence, either mis-sense which is sub or non-sense where a stop codon is created causing incomplete proteins

Question 5

List some beneficial uses for plasmids

Answer 5

Cloning genes
generating genomic libraries
expression of recombinant proteins
producing reporter plasmids to monitor expression

Question 6

Why are restriction sites clustered and what is it called?

Answer 6

Its called a multiple cloning site, and it allows for greater flexibility for cloning

Question 7

What is insertional inactivation?

Answer 7

Need a vector that has 2 or more selectable resistances, inactivate one by cutting into the gene with a RE