Depth study Lesson 5

Question 1

Gene transformation

Answer 1

• A form of genetic exchange in which the genetic material carried by an individual cell is altered by the incorporation of exogenous (foreign) DNA

Question 2

E. coli context

Answer 2

• Lives in the human gut
• HAs one large piece of circular DNA 3-5 million bp long, and small plasmids between 5000-10,000 bp in the cytoplasm

Question 3

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

Answer 3

• A protein present in bioluminescent jellyfish (Aequorea victoria)
• Fluoresceces under certain conditions when exposed to UV light
• Is inserted into a plasmid alongside an ampicillin-resistant gene
• Ampicillin kills E. coli by preventing cell wall construction, so E. coli without the ampicillin resistant gene and GFP will be unable to survive

Question 4

Sticky ends

Answer 4

Ends with exposed nucleotide base at each end, cut by restriction enzymes at the special recognition site. These have complementary bases, therefore can join by annealing a process of base-pairing.

Question 5

Novel traits

Answer 5

Traits that are new to the species. Can be done through genetically modification or traditional methods such as accelerated mutagenesis, plant breeding (hybrid). However, recombinant DNA techniques allows for a more controlled and direct approach.

Question 6

Genetic Discrimination

Answer 6

Risk of genetic testing/DNA sequencing: Genetic testing Insurance companies may refuse to provide health coverage, or charge a biased premium to clients that have a predisposition for disorders in their family history.

Question 7

What does the heat shock cycle do?

Answer 7

Used for bacterial transformation.

• Calcium chloride: makes the bacteria competent, meaning they can take up foreign DNA.
• At 0C stabilises the plasmid and DNA.
• When brought from 0C (ice) to 42C, this rapid change of temperature creates temporary pores in the membrane so the plasmid can enter.
• Back to 0C closes the pores, the plasmid has entered yay!