Finals Flashcards
(160 cards)
What is food authentication?
Verifying the true nature of a food product to ensure it matches its label
Protects health, supports religious beliefs, ensures sanitary & organic food, defends consumer rights, and prevents fraud, mislabeling, and adulteration.
What is the CRISPR-Cas system?
A natural adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea that protects against phages, viruses, and other foreign genetic elements.
What are the applications of the CRISPR-Cas system in food safety?
- Detecting allergens and toxins
- Identifying GMOs
- Preventing food fraud
What role does guide RNA (gRNA) play in CRISPR detection?
Matches a specific DNA/RNA sequence and directs the Cas enzyme to the target.
What is the function of the Cas enzyme in CRISPR?
Acts as molecular scissors that cut the target and the reporter molecule.
What does a positive fluorescence test indicate?
Light = Positive
What are the two types of CRISPR-based assays?
- Cas12 System – DNA detection
- Cas13 System – RNA detection
What is SHERLOCK in the context of CRISPR?
Uses Cas13 for detecting RNA with fluorescent or lateral flow output.
What is the sensitivity of RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a for detecting pork DNA?
10⁻³ ng sensitivity.
What are the advantages of CRISPR in food analysis?
- High sensitivity & specificity
- Rapid results (30–60 minutes)
- Cost-effective
- Field-ready
- Versatile for complex foods
What future innovations are anticipated in CRISPR-based food testing?
- CAPCOD (CRISPR-Cas-based PCR DNA barcoding)
- AI-Integrated CRISPR
- Multiplex Detection
What is a limitation of CRISPR-based assays?
Sensitive to DNA quality and off-target effects.
What are Lateral Flow Immunoassays (LFIAs)?
Rapid, simple, and cost-effective diagnostic tools used to detect contaminants, allergens, and pathogens.
What is the mechanism of Lateral Flow Immunoassays?
Relies on capillary action to move a sample across a membrane where antibodies bind to specific analytes.
What is the role of antibodies?
Y-shaped proteins that bind specifically to antigens and neutralize pathogens.
What is an antigen?
A substance that triggers an immune response and causes the immune system to produce antibodies.
What are the parts of an LFIA?
- Sample Pad
- Conjugate Release Pad
- Nitrocellulose Membrane
- Absorption Pad
What are some applications of LFIAs in food analysis?
- Detection of pathogens
- Monitoring additives
- Detection of illegal additives
- Monitoring for toxins
- Testing for drug residues
- Allergen identification
- GMO testing
What is a disadvantage of LFIAs?
Provides qualitative results, lacks quantitative measurement.
What does GC-IMS stand for?
Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry.
What is the purpose of Gas Chromatography?
Separates volatile compounds based on boiling points.
What is the advantage of combining GC with IMS?
Combines selectivity of GC with the sensitivity of IMS for detecting volatile organic compounds.
What are the advantages of GC-IMS?
- Minimal sample preparation
- Rapid analysis
- High sensitivity
- Cost-effective
- Versatile
What is Competitive Magnetic Immunodetection (cMID)?
An innovative, portable assay for rapid, sensitive detection of small molecules like antibiotics.