Applications of DNA Technologies (14.1)

Question 1

State what gene cloning allows scientists to produce

Answer 1

Exact copies of the gene of interest

Question 2

Outline the product of gene cloning

Answer 2

Many copies of a specific gene

Question 3

State the 2 techniques of gene cloning

Answer 3

1. in vivo

2. in vitro

Question 4

State what molecules are involved in the in vivo gene cloning technique

Answer 4

Involves the use of restriction enzymes, ligases and vectors

Question 5

Outline the aim of the in vivo gene cloning technique

Answer 5

Incorporation of desired gene into DNA of a living organism

Question 6

State whether or not the original gene taken from one organism will express the same protein as the host organism

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

State why a gene taken from one organism will synthesise the same protein in another organism

Answer 7

DNA code is universal

Question 8

State what is employed for the in vitro gene cloning technique

Answer 8

PCR

Question 9

Outline the aim of the in vitro gene cloning technique

Answer 9

Used to produce multiple copies of a specific gene in a solution

Question 10

State the advantage of obtaining the complete DNA sequences of different species is for scientists

Answer 10

Enables evolutionary relationships between species to be refined

Question 11

Describe social implications

Answer 11

Those that may affect people’s financial position, lifestyle and reproductive decisions.

Question 12

Describe biological implications

Answer 12

Those relating to organisms used in and affected by the technology.

Question 13

Provide 4 social implications of gene technologies

Answer 13

1. Reduced cost of therapeutics made with bacteria
2. Wider access to treatments
3. Employment opportunities in biotechnology industry
4. Misuse for non-therapeutic purposes

Question 14

Provide 3 biological implications of gene technologies

Answer 14

1. Human recombinant proteins more effective that proteins purified from other animals
2. Risk of contamination by bacterial molecules
3. New, safer vaccines possible

Question 15

Provide 2 ethical implications of gene technologies

Answer 15

1. Use of bacteria for therapeutics addresses philosophical, cultural or religious objections to animal use
2. Manipulation or shifting of genes may be seen as unethical, regardless of purpose

Question 16

Describe vectors

Answer 16

A vehicle used to transfer foreign DNA into a cell

Question 17

Provide 3 groups of common vectors employed in molecular biology

Answer 17

1. Plasmid
2. Virus
3. Liposome

Question 18

Describe gene therapy

Answer 18

Application of cloning technology in medicine

Question 19

State into where genes are inserted into an individual to correct or replace the defective gene function that leads to disease

Answer 19

Cells or tissues

Question 20

State why genes are inserted into an individual’s cells or tissues under the process of gene therapy

Answer 20

To correct or replace defective gene function that leads to disease

Question 21

State 2 classifications of specialised vectors

Answer 21

1. Viral vectors

2. Liposomes

Question 22

Describe viral vectors

Answer 22

Vectors which naturally insert genes into cells

Question 23

Provide 1 example of a viral vector

Answer 23

Small non-pathogenic virus that can enter a wide variety of human cells and is able to insert DNA into a defined region of a chromosome

Question 24

Describe liposomes

Answer 24

Very small phospholipid vesicles that can diffuse across plasma membranes or enter cells by endocytosis

Question 25

State the big ethical/moral questions surrounding gene therapy

Answer 25

Should gene therapy be permitted for germ line cells?

Question 26

Provide 3 social implications of gene therapy

Answer 26

1. Increased life span and quality of life
2. Equity of access
3. Changing expectations of medical intervention

Question 27

Provide 3 biological implications

Answer 27

1. Immune response to viral vector
2. Gene insertion and possible effects on other genes
3. Somatic cells vs germ line cells

Question 28

Provide 3 ethical implications

Answer 28

1. Survival into reproductive years
2. Influence on heritable characteristics
3. Selection of disorders to treat ( - who chooses?)