Gene Transfer Methods and Techniques
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following methods can be used for stable transfection?

  • Chemical transfection (correct)
  • Electroporation
  • Transduction (correct)
  • All of the above
  • Stable transfection can lead to long-term expression of a transgene.

    True

    What is the role of integrase in viral transduction?

    Integrase facilitates the integration of foreign genetic materials into the host genome.

    Stable transfection is useful in long-term genetic and _______ studies.

    <p>pharmacology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following methods of transfection with their characteristics:

    <p>Horizontal gene transfer = Gene transfer between adjacent cells Transduction = Utilizes viral vectors for gene delivery Conjugation = Transfer through direct contact between cells Chemical transfection = Involves micelles to aid DNA uptake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly explains the distinction between transformation and transfection?

    <p>Transformation involves the uptake of plasmid DNA by bacteria, while transfection involves the insertion of DNA into eukaryotic cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cloning vectors and expression vectors serve the same purpose in genetic engineering.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a model organism?

    <p>A model organism is a non-human species whose entire genome is known and used to investigate biological processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The method that uses a gene gun to deliver DNA into plant cells is known as __________.

    <p>biolistic delivery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the gene transfer methods with their characteristics:

    <p>Transformation = Uptake of plasmids by bacteria Transfection = Introduction of DNA into eukaryotic cells Electroporation = Use of electric fields to increase cell permeability Biolistic delivery = Gene-gun method for DNA transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a characteristic of liposomal-based transfection reagents?

    <p>They merge with the phospholipid bilayer of the host cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calcium phosphate is an example of a non-liposomal transfection reagent.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What chemical interaction allows DNA to interact with the negatively charged cell membrane during the calcium phosphate technique?

    <p>Binding of positively charged calcium ions with negatively charged nucleic acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Liposomal reagents facilitate DNA entry into the host cell through the process of __________.

    <p>endocytosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following transfection reagents to their categories:

    <p>Calcium phosphate = Non-liposomal Polyethylene glycol = Non-liposomal Cationic Lipid = Liposomal Dendrimers = Non-liposomal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are liposomes primarily developed for?

    <p>Gene delivery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Polyethylenimine (PEI) is known to interact electrostatically with proteins.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one physical method used for DNA introduction into cells.

    <p>Electroporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of using lasers to create a temporary photopore in the cell membrane for DNA entry is known as ______.

    <p>laser-mediated transfection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Electroporation = Involves a large electric pulse to introduce DNA Sonoporation = Uses ultrasound waves for gene delivery Micro-injection = Direct injection of substances into a cell Particle bombardment = Delivers DNA using high-velocity particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a physical method for DNA delivery?

    <p>Chemical transformation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of using high voltage in electroporation?

    <p>Cell necrosis or apoptosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cationic lipids can form micellar structures to assist in gene delivery.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of RNA transfection compared to plasmid or viral approaches?

    <p>Transitory nature allowing rapid protein production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Microinjection is a reliable method that does not cause cell death.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary disadvantage of using chemical transfection?

    <p>Efficiency varies depending on cell type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ____ method allows observation of the transfecting cell and can target any location on the cell.

    <p>laser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following transfection methods with their characteristics:

    <p>Microinjection = Labour-intensive with low success rate Electroporation = Easy and rapid for many cells Biolistics = Straightforward and reliable Laser technique = Targets very small cells with precision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a con of using Biolistic methods?

    <p>Causes physical damage to samples</p> Signup and view all the answers

    RNA is generally more stable than DNA for transfection purposes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What important features can affect the efficiency of mRNA transfection?

    <p>5' cap, internal ribosomal entry site, poly-A tail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Gene Transfer Methods

    • Transformation involves uptake of naked DNA by bacteria, while transfection is a broader term for introducing nucleic acids into non-bacterial cells.
    • Stable transfection leads to long-term expression by integrating foreign DNA into the host's nuclear genome.

    Gene Transfer Techniques

    • Methods include biological (horizontal gene transfer, transduction, and conjugation), chemical (using liposomes and calcium phosphate), and physical methods (e.g., electroporation).
    • Biological methods use viral vectors like retroviruses for stable transfections; adenoviruses and herpes viruses may not guarantee stability.

    Chemical Transfection Methods

    • Liposomal transfection utilizes cationic lipids to form complexes with DNA that facilitate entry into host cells.
    • Non-liposomal chemicals (calcium phosphate, dendrimers) create complexes that interact with the negatively charged cell membrane, promoting uptake by endocytosis.

    Calcium Phosphate Technique

    • Involves forming a precipitate with positively charged calcium ions and DNA before uptake by host cells, yielding low transfection efficiency (~1-2%).

    Liposome Functionality

    • Cationic lipids can create lipoplexes that enhance DNA delivery, with polymers like PEI facilitating effective gene transfer in vitro and in vivo.

    Physical Methods of Gene Delivery

    • Electroporation temporarily disrupts the cell membrane using electric pulses (1-1.5 kV) to allow DNA passage, suitable for hard-to-transfect cells.
    • Other methods include sonoporation, micro-injection, scrape loading, particle bombardment, and laser creation of pores in cell membranes.

    Pros and Cons of Physical Methods

    • Electroporation is quick and effective for many cells, while biolistics allows for straightforward targeting.
    • Limitations include potential cell damage from high voltage or physical methods, as well as the need for skilled microinjection.

    RNA Transfer Advantages

    • RNA transfer is increasingly adopted for RNA interference (RNAi) despite previous instability concerns.
    • mRNA features (5' cap, IRES, poly-A tail) can enhance transfection efficiency and lead to rapid protein production without needing strong promoters.

    General Notes on Gene Libraries

    • Preparation of gene libraries involves strategizing methods for gene isolation and analysis.
    • The advantages of RNA transfer include high expression rates and the ability to introduce multiple mRNAs to mitigate overexpression issues.

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    Description

    This quiz explores various gene transfer methods, focusing on transformation, transfection, and the different techniques used in the process. It covers biological, chemical, and physical methods, including specific techniques such as liposomal transfection and the calcium phosphate method. Test your knowledge on these important biotechnological concepts!

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