DNA and RNA Structures, Malaria Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the components of a nucleotide in DNA?

  • Ribose sugar, amino acid, nitrogen base
  • Ribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogen base
  • Deoxyribose sugar, nitrogen base, amino acid
  • Deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogen base (correct)

Which pairs of nitrogen bases are found in DNA?

  • Cytosine with Thymine
  • Adenine with Thymine (correct)
  • Guanine with Uracil
  • Adenine with Uracil

How does RNA differ from DNA?

  • RNA contains thymine instead of uracil
  • RNA has a circular structure while DNA is linear
  • RNA uses ribose sugar while DNA uses deoxyribose sugar (correct)
  • RNA is double stranded while DNA is single stranded

What is the structure of DNA?

<p>Double helix and linear in eukaryotes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does CRISPR stand for?

<p>Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of CRISPR in genetic modification?

<p>To selectively modify a specific DNA sequence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is associated with Plasmodium?

<p>Malaria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does RNA play in protein synthesis?

<p>It transports amino acids to the ribosome (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does gRNA play in the CRISPR/Cas-9 system?

<p>It guides the Cas-9 enzyme to the specific target DNA sequence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of modifying mosquito genes that are involved in immune responses?

<p>To make them more resistant to the Plasmodium parasite. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the PAM sequence do in the CRISPR system?

<p>It is the location where the DNA is cut by the Cas-9 enzyme. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can CRISPR be used to ensure that modified genes are passed to almost all offspring?

<p>By creating a gene drive mechanism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is achieved through the gene knock-out process?

<p>A faulty gene is silenced or rendered non-functional. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary aim of using CRISPR technology with mosquitoes?

<p>To impede the transmission of malaria by altering mosquito genes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical action does the Cas-9 enzyme perform during the CRISPR process?

<p>It cleaves the DNA at a targeted site. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does gene drive technology specifically ensure in genetically modified mosquitoes?

<p>Rapid dispersal of modified traits throughout the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a consequence of editing genes that affect mosquito reproduction?

<p>It helps spread resistance traits through the population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for successful CRISPR targeting?

<p>The target sequence needs to be adjacent to a PAM sequence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the nuclear entry process in CRISPR, what happens to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex?

<p>It enters the nucleus and prepares for DNA binding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does CRISPR technology contribute to the fight against malaria?

<p>By editing mosquito genes to interrupt the parasite's lifecycle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of using the gene knock-in process in CRISPR?

<p>A new gene sequence is inserted to restore normal function. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature of mosquitoes is primarily targeted to modify malaria transmission susceptibility?

<p>Genetic traits related to resistance against Plasmodium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential impact does CRISPR technology have on malaria transmission?

<p>It aims to make mosquitoes resistant to malaria. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential economic benefit of using CRISPR against malaria?

<p>Higher productivity in healthier populations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the ethical considerations associated with genetically modifying mosquitoes?

<p>Cultural resistance may arise in local communities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild?

<p>It may cause unintended changes to local ecosystems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Cas enzyme play in CRISPR technology?

<p>It allows for precise targeting of genes in genetic modifications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might wild mosquitoes develop resistance to CRISPR-based modifications?

<p>Through natural selection and survival of the fittest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of using CRISPR in malaria control?

<p>Preventing the transmission of Plasmodium by mosquitoes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be a long-term ecological concern of gene drives in mosquitoes?

<p>Increased vulnerability of non-target species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the simplicity of CRISPR technology?

<p>The simplicity of creating guide RNAs makes it scalable for genome editing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for the success of CRISPR in combating malaria globally?

<p>Collaboration among countries for equitable access. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are the components of a nucleotide?

A nucleotide is made up of three parts: a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What are the four nitrogenous bases in DNA?

The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.

What is the structure of DNA?

DNA has a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder. The sugar and phosphate groups form the backbone, while the nitrogenous bases pair up in the middle.

What is the role of genes in DNA?

Genes are specific DNA sequences that provide instructions for making proteins. These proteins are essential for growth, development, and functioning of organisms.

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What is RNA and how is it different from DNA?

RNA, like DNA, is made up of nucleotides but uses ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose. It also has uracil (U) instead of thymine (T) as a nitrogenous base. Unlike DNA, RNA is single-stranded.

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What is the process of transcription?

Transcription is the process where DNA's genetic information is copied into RNA, which then leaves the nucleus.

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What is CRISPR?

CRISPR stands for 'Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats'. It's a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely alter the genetic code of living organisms.

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What is the function of CRISPR in bacteria?

In bacteria, CRISPR functions as a defense mechanism against viruses by targeting and destroying viral DNA.

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CRISPR

A powerful tool used to edit genes within a population to disrupt disease transmission, like malaria.

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Gene Drive

A CRISPR-based system that rapidly spreads a specific genetic modification within a population, ensuring inheritance by most offspring.

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gRNA (Guide RNA)

A short RNA sequence that guides the Cas-9 enzyme to the specific location in the DNA that needs to be edited.

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Cas-9 Enzyme

A 'molecular scissor' that cuts DNA at a specific location, guided by gRNA.

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PAM Sequence

A short DNA sequence that acts as a binding signal for Cas-9, indicating where to cut.

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Gene Knock In

A technique where a new DNA sequence is inserted into the DNA break, often replacing a faulty gene.

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Gene Knock Out

A technique where errors during DNA repair disable a target gene by causing frameshift mutations, effectively silencing it.

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Homology Directed Repair

A DNA repair pathway that uses a template to accurately repair the break, often used in gene editing.

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Non-Homology Directed Repair

A DNA repair pathway that often introduces errors, causing insertions or deletions, which can be used to disable genes.

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Malaria Resistance in Mosquitoes

Modifying mosquito genes to disrupt the development of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) within the mosquito.

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Plasmodium

The parasite responsible for malaria, which needs mosquitoes to complete its life cycle.

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Microinjection

A method of introducing CRISPR components (gRNA and Cas-9) into mosquito cells.

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RNP Complex

The combination of gRNA and Cas-9 enzyme that works together to edit the targeted gene.

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Nuclear Entry

The RNP complex moving from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of the cell, where the target DNA resides.

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What is a Gene Drive?

A genetic system that uses CRISPR to spread a specific gene through a population, ensuring that the modified trait is inherited by most offspring.

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How does CRISPR modify mosquitoes for malaria resistance?

CRISPR-Cas9 technology targets genes responsible for the malaria parasite's development or the mosquito's immune response, altering them to weaken or eliminate the parasite.

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What is the potential benefit of CRISPR-modified mosquitoes?

CRISPR gene drives can spread malaria resistance through an entire mosquito population, potentially eliminating the parasite's transmission.

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What are the ecological concerns with using CRISPR gene drives?

Altering mosquito populations could disrupt ecosystems, affecting species that depend on them for food.

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What are the ethical concerns with using CRISPR gene drives?

Ethical debates arise about the impact of modifying wild populations and potential unforeseen genetic consequences.

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How can CRISPR benefit global health?

Reducing malaria cases through CRISPR-modified mosquitoes can improve global health by decreasing deaths, healthcare costs, and increasing productivity.

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What are the social impacts of using CRISPR gene drives?

Ethical debates, cultural resistance, and concerns about ecological safety could influence the acceptance and implementation of CRISPR-based solutions.

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What are the economic considerations of using CRISPR gene drives?

While CRISPR holds potential for healthcare savings, there are also high initial costs for research, development, and deployment, requiring significant investment.

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Why is CRISPR considered a scalable and precise genome editing technology?

The simplicity of creating guide RNAs (gRNAs) makes CRISPR highly versatile for conducting targeted genome editing and whole genome screenings.

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Why is CRISPR gene drive considered a long-term solution for malaria control?

CRISPR gene drives help create genetically resistant mosquito populations which are inherited by future generations, offering a long-term approach to disease control.

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Study Notes

DNA Structure and Function

  • DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides.
  • Nucleotides include deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases (A, T, C, G).
  • A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
  • The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the DNA's structure.
  • DNA carries genetic information in the sequence of base pairs.
  • Genes are specific DNA sequences that code for proteins.
  • DNA is linear in eukaryotes and circular in prokaryotes.

RNA Structure and Function

  • RNA is a single-stranded molecule.
  • RNA is similar to DNA, using nucleotides.
  • RNA nucleotides contain ribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases (A, U, C, G).
  • A pairs with U, and C pairs with G.
  • RNA facilitates protein synthesis through transcription and translation or delivers proteins.

Malaria Overview

  • Malaria is a fatal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
  • Transmission occurs through infected mosquitoes.
  • The parasite multiplies in the mosquito's midgut and salivary glands.
  • Infection enters the human bloodstream through the mosquito's bite.

CRISPR Technology

  • CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is a bacterial immune system.
  • Scientists adapted CRISPR for genome editing.
  • CRISPR allows precise targeting and editing of DNA sequences.
  • It can modify genes, turn genes on/off, or introduce new genes without altering the existing sequence beyond the target.

CRISPR for Malaria Resistance in Mosquitoes

  • CRISPR aims to modify mosquitoes to prevent malaria transmission.
  • Targeting genetic modifications in mosquitoes that impact Plasmodium development or transmission.
  • Genes involved in malaria development are tailored for resistance.
  • Modifying immune responses, reproduction, or parasite infection mechanisms in mosquitoes.

CRISPR Mechanism

  • CRISPR/Cas9 systems require a guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas9 enzyme.
  • gRNA guides Cas9 to the target DNA sequence within the organism's genome.
  • Cas9 acts as "molecular scissors," cutting the DNA at the target site.
  • PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif) signals a Cas9 enzyme cut point within the DNA sequence.
  • The DNA repair mechanisms in the cell allow a new DNA sequence to insert, or the insertion or deletion of bases in the gene.

Gene Drive Mechanism

  • Gene drives ensure that edited genes are passed on to most offspring.
  • Designed to modify both copies of a gene during reproduction, increasing the trait's spreading within a population.
  • Modifying mosquitoes for malaria resistance is a practical application.
  • The edited genes help the mosquito's immune system, and hinder the Plasmodium parasite in the midgut and reproductive organs.

CRISPR Applications and Impacts

  • CRISPR applications reduce reliance on insecticides and drugs to control malaria.
  • Potential for global malaria eradication by spreading resistance traits quickly through the mosquito population.
  • Potential positive impacts on global health and healthcare costs.
  • Potential negative impacts on ecosystems and species diversity, as well as unknown long term effects.
  • Ethical concerns surrounding genetic modifications and ecological safety are warranted.

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Description

Explore the fundamental structures and functions of DNA and RNA, including their nucleotide components and roles in genetic information and protein synthesis. Additionally, gain insight into malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and its transmission through mosquitoes.

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