Genetic engineering Flashcards Preview

Biology - Biotechnology and genetic engineering > Genetic engineering > Flashcards

Flashcards in Genetic engineering Deck (20)
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1
Q

What is genetic engineering?

A

This is changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes

2
Q

What is biotechnology?

A

Using living organisms to carry out processes that make substances that we want.

3
Q

What is the first step for genetic enginering?

A

The isolation of the DNA making up a human gene using restriction enzymes. This forms sticky ends

4
Q

What is the second step for genetic engineering?

A

The cutting of the bacterial plasmid DNA with the same restriction enzymes forming complementary sticky ends

5
Q

What is the third step for genetic engineering?

A

Insertion of the human DNA into the bacterial plasmid DNA using DNA ligase to form a recombinant plasmid.

6
Q

What is the fourth step for genetic engineering?

A

Insertion of plasmid into bacteria

7
Q

What is the final(fifth) step for genetic engineering?

A

Replication of the bacteria containing recombinant plasmids. They make the human protein as they express the gene

8
Q

In a fermenter, what is the purpose of the pH Probe?

A

Maintains the pH at approximately 6.5, so that the fungus has an optimum pH to grow

9
Q

Why does temperature need to be maintained/controled by a water jacket in a fermenter?

A

It prevents the fermenter from getting too hot due to penicillium producing heat as it respires

10
Q

WHat is the function of the temperature probe?

A

Maintains temperature between 23 and 28 degrees celcius to provide optimum conditions for fungal growth. It monitors or controls temperature.

11
Q

Why is there a safety alve at the top of the fermenter?

A

Excess gases like CO2 are removed to prevent explosions

12
Q

Why are the contents of the fermenter stirred continuously?

A

This keeps the fungus in contact with fress supplies of nutrients and mixes oxygen into the culture

13
Q

How can a fermemter be sterilised?

A
  • Sterilise the nutrients and air supply entering the fermemter
  • Steam
  • High temperature and pressure
  • UV/gamma radiation
14
Q

What is the function of the nutrient inlet?

A

Supplies glucose/amino acids/ nutrients for respiration or growth

15
Q

What is the funtion of the outlet/tap?

A

Allows collection of the liquid containing penicillin after fermentation

16
Q

How does sugar affect the rate at which penicillin is extracted?

A

Too much sugar = little penicillin made
No sugar = no penicillin
Small amounts must be fed into the fermemter all the time that the fungus is producing penicillin

17
Q

Why is it useful for the fungus to be rolled into pellets as the mixture is stirred?

A

Makes it easier to seperate the fungus from the liquid containing penicillin.

18
Q

What happens to the liquid containing penicillin after it is collected?

A

Penicillin is extracted.

19
Q

How is penicillin made?

A

The fungus penicillium is grown in a culture medium containing amino acids and carbohydrates in a large fermemter.

20
Q

What is the function of penicillin?

A

It is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. It prevents them from forming new cell walls.