Synthetic Bio notecards

Question 1

Synthetic biology

Answer 1

• Assembling DNA pieces into new genetic elements
• critical for the survival of society

Question 2

Genetic engineering

Answer 2

• GMOs
• uses in vitro techniques to alter genes in the lab

Question 3

Heterologous expression

Answer 3

• Expressing a gene in a different host (Insulin)

Question 4

genetic engineering and biobrick assembly

Answer 4

• taking building blocks that already exist
• inserting assembled biobricks into vector or chromosome then transforming into model microbe or plant

Question 5

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer 5

• CDNA (only the coding region)
• RT-PCR mRNA to CDNA

Question 6

Molecular Cloning

Answer 6

• movement of a gene from original source to a small and manipulable genetic element (Vector- usually a plasmid)
• Results in recombinant DNA, and Gene can be manipulated

Question 7

Recombineering

Answer 7

• Unique for Eukaryotic organisms
• Restriction enzyme sites are not needed
• can be used to clone foreign genes, generate point mutations, and gene fusions
• Adds on homologous ends
• Adds or removes genes permanently

Question 8

Biotechnology

Answer 8

• the use of living organisms for production of valuable products
• genetically engineered microorganisms are used instead of mammalian proteins

Question 9

Transgenic Organisms in Agriculture and Aquaculture

Answer 9

• Transgenic microorganisms (having a gene from a different organism)
• Genetically modified organisms
• Herbicide and Insect resistant plants

Question 10

Gibson Assembly

Answer 10

• Recombineering but simpler
• multiple overlapping regions
• only need to google genetic sequence and lygate pieces of sequences to make a piece of functional DNA

Question 10

Engineered vaccines and therapeutics

Answer 10

• specific delivery of antibodies as an anticancer therapy
• use antibodies (binding of antibodies to intracellular targets in cancer cells can trigger immune system to kill those cells)