Biotechnology and Genomics Flashcards
What is biotechnology, and what does it involve?
Biotechnology involves using natural biological systems to achieve human-desired goals.
What is genetic engineering, and how is it used in biotechnology?
Genetic engineering allows scientists to modify the genomes of various organisms, improving their characteristics or creating biotech products.
What role does DNA and RNA research play in biotechnology?
DNA and RNA research has led to the development of techniques for cloning genes and editing genomes.
What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and how are they created?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have altered genomes, often using recombinant DNA technology.
How do transgenic organisms differ from GMOs, and what’s their significance?
Transgenic organisms are a type of GMO with genes from other species inserted into their genomes. They have various applications and significance.
What is recombinant DNA technology, and what is its purpose?
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology combines genes from multiple sources to achieve specific goals.
What is the role of a vector in recombinant DNA technology?
A vector, often a plasmid, serves as a carrier for foreign DNA in rDNA.
What are restriction enzymes, and how do they work in rDNA technology?
Restriction enzymes cleave DNA at specific sites, creating “sticky ends” to facilitate the insertion of foreign DNA into vector DNA.
What is the function of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?
DNA ligase seals the foreign DNA into the plasmid, creating a recombinant DNA molecule.
How are cloned genes used in biotechnology, and what are some of their applications?
Cloned genes have various applications, including expression in bacterial cells or introduction into other organisms, creating transgenic organisms.
What is DNA sequencing, and why is it important?
DNA sequencing determines the order of nucleotides in a DNA segment, aiding in various fields like medicine and forensics.
How has DNA sequencing technology evolved over the years?
Early DNA sequencing used radioactive tracers and gel; modern DNA sequencing uses dyes and automated machines.
What is the role of PCR in DNA sequencing?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to make multiple copies of a gene for sequencing reactions.
What is PCR, and what is its primary purpose?
PCR can rapidly create billions of copies of a DNA segment in a test tube and is used for various applications.
What are the key steps in a PCR cycle, and how does it work?
PCR involves denaturation, annealing, and extension steps that amplify a targeted DNA sequence.
