Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA Technology

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Questions and Answers

What fundamental process allows the recombination of DNA segments?

Gene expression

Protein synthesis

Chromosomal replication

DNA splicing (correct)

Which of the following is considered a traditional form of biotechnology?

In vitro fertilization (correct)

Using enzymes for protein manufacturing (correct)

Generating DNA vaccines

Creating genetically modified organisms

Who developed a method for removing and reinsert plasmids into cells?

Paul Berg

Gregory Mendel

Charles Darwin

Stanley Cohen (correct)

What is the essential goal of biotechnology as defined by the European Federation of Biotechnology?

To integrate natural sciences with living organisms for products and services Signup and view all the answers

Which process does NOT typically fall under modern molecular biotechnology?

Natural fermentation of food Signup and view all the answers

What role do bacterial cells play in the context of biotechnology as described?

Serve as manufacturing plants for specific proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is categorized as part of biotechnology?

Carrying out in vitro fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic distinguishing modern biotechnology from traditional methods?

Use of genetically modified organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in genetically modifying an organism?

Identification of DNA with desirable genes Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of nucleases mentioned?

Exonucleases and endonucleases Signup and view all the answers

How is the naming convention for restriction enzymes determined?

From the genus and species of the prokaryotic cell they originated from Signup and view all the answers

What function does a restriction endonuclease perform?

Cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences Signup and view all the answers

Which restriction enzyme was the first to be isolated and characterized?

Hind II Signup and view all the answers

How many restriction enzymes are currently known to exist?

More than 900 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about exonucleases is true?

They remove nucleotides from the ends of DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT part of the three basic steps in genetically modifying an organism?

Analysis of base pair sequences Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the origin of replication in a chromosome?

It is responsible for initiating DNA replication. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant achievement of Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1972?

They linked a gene for antibiotic resistance with a plasmid. Signup and view all the answers

What function do restriction enzymes serve in recombinant DNA technology?

They cut DNA at specific locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the enzyme DNA ligase in the context of recombinant DNA?

To join the ends of cut DNA molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What does cloning refer to in the context of DNA manipulation?

The process of making multiple identical copies of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

How does a plasmid function as a vector in genetic engineering?

By delivering specific genes into host organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which organism was mentioned as a host for cloning the antibiotic resistance gene?

E. coli. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of recombinant DNA allows it to replicate in a host organism?

It contains an origin of replication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of adding ligase during the recombinant DNA preparation process?

To join the gene of interest with the vector DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) involves separating the DNA strands?

Denaturation Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of thermostable DNA polymerase is essential for PCR?

It can withstand high temperatures during denaturation Signup and view all the answers

What role does ampicillin play in the selection of transformed E. coli cells?

It acts as a selectable marker Signup and view all the answers

During PCR, what are the short chemically synthesized oligonucleotides used in the process called?

Primers Signup and view all the answers

What happens to untransformed E. coli cells when grown on agar plates containing ampicillin?

They die due to lack of resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the outcome of repeated amplification in PCR?

1 billion copies can be synthesized Signup and view all the answers

What is a selectable marker in the context of recombinant DNA technology?

A gene that allows for the identification of transformed cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inserting alien DNA into a cloning vector?

To produce a desirable protein Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as a recombinant protein?

A protein expressed in a heterologous host Signup and view all the answers

Why is large-scale production of proteins important?

To generate sufficient quantities for various applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a bioreactor primarily used for?

To provide optimal growth conditions for cells Signup and view all the answers

What is one method mentioned for maintaining cells in a physiologically active state?

Continuous culture system Signup and view all the answers

What kind of conditions does a bioreactor provide for the optimal product yield?

Optimum temperature, pH, and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Why might small volume cultures be inadequate for protein production?

They cannot produce appreciable amounts of product Signup and view all the answers

What are bioreactors primarily made for?

To biologically convert raw materials into specific products Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms or their parts to produce products or processes for human benefit.
Modern biotechnology relies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) defines biotechnology as "the integration of natural science and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services".

Recombinant DNA Technology Tools

Restriction enzymes are molecular scissors that cut DNA at specific sequences (recognition sequences).
There are over 900 known restriction enzymes.
DNA ligase joins DNA fragments.
Vectors carry alien DNA into a host cell.
Host organism provides the environment for replication.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify DNA fragments.
PCR uses primers, DNA polymerase, and thermostable DNA polymerase.

Recombinant DNA Technology Processes

Identifying DNA with desirable genes.
Introducing identified DNA into a host.
Maintaining introduced DNA in the host and transferring it to progeny.
Bioreactors are used for large-scale production of products like proteins.
Bioreactors provide optimal conditions for cell growth and product formation.
The first recombinant DNA was constructed by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1972.
They linked a gene encoding antibiotic resistance with a plasmid from Salmonella typhimurium.
"Clone" means to make multiple copies of a specific DNA segment.
Selectable markers allow for identifying cells that have taken up the recombinant DNA.
Recombinant proteins are proteins produced by a heterologous host.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of biotechnology and recombinant DNA technology. This quiz covers essential tools, processes, and the significance of GMOs in modern science. Test your knowledge of how living organisms are utilized in creating products for human benefit.