DNA Technology Flashcards
(41 cards)
Biotechnology
the use of natural biological systems to achieve a purpose desired by humans for which the system did not specifically evolve to accomplish
What are some examples of biotechnology?
GMOs
Stem cells
Genetic Engineering
the purposeful modification of the genomes of organisms to either improve the characteristics of the organism or make a biotechnology product
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
a laboratory process by which a targeted DNA segment can be amplified(copied)
What does PCR use to artificially run DNA replication in a test tube?
DNA Polymerase enzyme
What is the first step in PCR?
Denaturation: DNA is separated into two separate strands with heat
What is the second step in PCR?
Annealing: when the temperature is lowered, oligonucleotide primers hybridize to each DNA strand
What is the third step in PCR?
Extension: when the temperature is raised again, an engineered polymerase adds complementary base pairs to each of the single DNA strands, creating double-stranded DNA
How many cycles of PCR must be completed to yield 1 million copies of DNA?
30-35
Why is PCR called a “chain reaction”?
because the same DNA sample is repeatedly replicated
Taq Polymerase
discovered in bacteria that lives in hot springs; evolved polymerase so it will not denature at 95 degrees C
What is DNA profiling?
when DNA is taken from a particular location, a non-coding section is identified and the number of repeated segments in that section are determined
STRs
Short Tandem Repeats: the repeated segments in the non-coding section of DNA obtained
Where does the number of copies of STRs come from?
Inherited from parents
How can we establish a specific genomic pattern using DNA profiling?
by looking at multiple STRs
How many STRs does the FBI CODIS use?
13 + a marker for sex
After PCR is run on the crime scene sample and the suspects, the resulting DNA is …
put into wells on the electrophorsis gel
The same technique used for DNA profiling is used in …
home paternity kits
Cloning
the production of identical copies of DNA, cells, or organisms through an asexual means
Gene Cloning
can be done to produce many identical copies of the same gene
Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
DNA that contains genes from more than one source organism
What does a technician require in order to create rDNA?
a vector: a means by which the genes of interest can be inserted into a host cell
Plasmid
a small accessory ring of DNA found in bacteria that often holds genes for antibiotic resistance
Plasmids are not a part of what?
bacterial chromosomes so they replicate on their own