Modifying Genones Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is a genome?
A genetic information of an organism, comprising around 3.3 billion base pairs, including coding and non-coding regions and mitochondrial DNA.
What are coding regions?
Regions where genes are transcribed into precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA), with introns removed by splicing to form mature mRNA.
What does pleiotropic mean in genetics?
Genes that are expressed in multiple tissues at different times in the human life span and have different/multiple effects.
What do non-coding regions include?
Introns and intergenic DNA, with some introns coding microRNAs that regulate protein synthesis.
What is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?
A small circular chromosome found in mitochondria, inherited from the mother, containing 37 genes that encode 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs.
Define recombinant DNA.
Artificial DNA created by combining two or more sequences that would not normally occur together.
What are the steps of recombinant DNA technology?
- Isolating (vector and target gene) 2. Cutting (cleavage) 3. Joining (ligation) 4. Transforming 5. Selecting (screening).
What is PCR?
Polymerase chain reaction, an in-vitro technique for amplification of a region of DNA whose sequence is known.
What is reverse transcription?
The process where RNA is converted into complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcriptase.
What is RT-PCR?
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, where RNA is first reverse transcribed into DNA and then amplified.
What does mRNA produce?
Complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase.
What is a vector in genetic manipulation?
A carrier that transports biological molecules from one species into another.
Why are plasmids suitable vectors for gene transfer?
Plasmids are closed loops of DNA found in bacterial cells, replicate independently, and can be passed to daughter cells.
What are cloning vectors?
Plasmids, bacteriophage viruses, or small artificial chromosomes used to carry DNA for cloning.
What is the role of restriction enzymes?
To cleave DNA at specific sequences, generating restriction fragments.
What do restriction enzymes do?
They cut DNA in the middle of polynucleotide chains at specific base sequences.
What is DNA ligase used for?
To join fragments of DNA together by catalyzing the formation of covalent bonds between nucleotides.
What is genetic transformation?
The direct uptake of foreign DNA by a host cell.
What are common methods for introducing vectors into host cells?
Electroporation and heat shock.
What are the methods for screening transformed cells?
- Gel electrophoresis 2. Termination method 3. PCR 4. Blotting techniques.
What are applications of recombinant DNA technology?
- Analysis of gene structure and expression 2. Pharmaceutical products 3. Genetically modified organisms 4. Applications in medicine.
What are the key components of CRISPR-Cas9?
- Cas9 enzyme 2. Guide RNA.
True or False: CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to edit germline cells.
True, but its use is controversial.
Fill in the blank: DNA produced from an RNA template is known as _______.
complementary DNA (cDNA)
