1.7 + 1.8 biotechnology Flashcards
(26 cards)
How can DNA be extracted from cells?
DNA is extracted from cells using chemical or physical methods to break down the cell membrane and release the DNA for analysis.
How can small amounts of DNA be analyzed?
Modern techniques, such as PCR and electrophoresis, allow even small amounts of DNA to be amplified and analyzed.
What is PCR and how does it work?
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a method to amplify segments of DNA. It involves heating and cooling cycles, primers, free nucleotides, and heat-resistant enzymes to produce many copies of a specific DNA segment.
What is the role of heating and cooling in PCR?
Heating separates the DNA strands (denaturation), while cooling allows primers to bind to the DNA (annealing), enabling the synthesis of new DNA strands.
What are primers in PCR?
Primers are short DNA sequences that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis during PCR.
What is the role of free nucleotides in PCR?
Free nucleotides are the building blocks used to synthesize the new DNA strands during PCR.
Why are heat-resistant enzymes used in PCR?
Heat-resistant enzymes, like Taq polymerase, are used to synthesize DNA at high temperatures without being denatured.
What is electrophoresis and how is it used in DNA analysis?
Electrophoresis is a technique that separates DNA fragments by size as they move through a gel under an electric field. Smaller fragments move faster than larger ones.
What is an electropherogram?
An electropherogram is a graphical representation of the results from electrophoresis, showing the separated DNA fragments and their corresponding base sequences.
How is the base sequence of DNA determined by electrophoresis?
By comparing the movement of DNA fragments in an electrophoresis gel, the base sequence can be inferred from the size and pattern of the fragments.
What is DNA profiling?
DNA profiling is the process of analyzing the unique genetic makeup of an individual by comparing DNA sequences, typically through techniques like electrophoresis.
How can differences in DNA fragments be used in forensic science?
DNA profiling identifies unique patterns in DNA, which can be used to match suspects to crime scenes, identify victims, or establish biological relationships.
How are DNA profiles displayed?
DNA profiles are displayed in electropherograms or tables of data, which show the size and patterns of DNA fragments.
What are some ethical issues related to collecting genetic information?
Ethical issues include privacy concerns, the potential for genetic discrimination, and the use of genetic data without consent.
What are some economic issues related to genetic data collection?
Economic issues include the cost of genetic testing, its potential for misuse by insurance companies, and the commercialization of genetic data.
What are some cultural issues related to genetic information collection?
Cultural issues include the impact of genetic testing on societal views of family, inheritance, and identity, as well as the possible stigma associated with certain genetic conditions.
What are some common vectors used in biotechnology?
Common vectors include plasmids and viruses, which are used to transfer genes into cells.
What is electroporation?
Electroporation is a technique where an electrical field is applied to cells, making their membranes temporarily permeable to DNA, allowing for gene transfer.
What is microinjection in biotechnology?
Microinjection is a method where DNA is directly injected into the cytoplasm or nucleus of a cell using a fine needle.
How can particular genes be selected using probes?
Gene probes are short, labeled DNA sequences that bind to complementary DNA sequences, allowing for the identification and selection of specific genes.
What are restriction enzymes and how are they used in biotechnology?
Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, enabling scientists to remove selected genes for use in cloning or further study.
How can selected genes be transferred between species?
Selected genes can be transferred between species using vectors like plasmids or viruses, or through direct methods like microinjection or electroporation.
What is CRISPR-Cas9, and how is it used in gene editing?
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that uses a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to a specific location in the DNA, where it can cut and modify the gene.
How can CRISPR-Cas9 be used to transfer genes?
CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to precisely cut DNA at specific locations, allowing the insertion of new genes into the genome of a target organism.
