U2.7 Genetic control of metabolism

Question 1

What is mutagenesis?

Answer 1

The creation of mutations.

Question 2

How can mutagenesis be achieved?

Answer 2

Using mutagenic agents.

Question 3

Name some mutagenic agents

Answer 3

UV light, xrays, gamma rays, mustard gas.

Question 4

Why might you need to improve wild (bacteria) strains?

Answer 4

To improve genetic stability, to improve their ability to grow on low cost nutrients, to produce large quantities of target compound, and to allow easy harvesting of the target compound.

Question 5

What might exposure of microorganisms to mutagenic agents result in?

Answer 5

Mutations which may produce an improved strain of microorganisms e.g. it gives an increased yield of product.

Question 6

What is recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 6

Taking a gene from an organism and transferring it into a micro-organism to enable the micro-organism to produce plant or animal proteins.

Question 7

What is a vector?

Answer 7

A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell.

Question 8

Give an example of a vector.

Answer 8

Plasmids and artificial chromosomes.

Question 9

What does the restriction endonuclease enzyme do?

Answer 9

Recognises specific nucleotide base sequences and cuts DNA at those sequences. Produce DNA fragments with either sticky ends or blunt ends,