Introduction to Biotechnology

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of genetic engineering?

To clone animals without any alterations

To create completely new organisms

To identify individuals based on DNA

To alter, repair, or enhance genetic material (correct)

What is a plasmid?

A segment of RNA used for cloning

A type of virus that infects bacteria

A small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently (correct)

A protein used to enhance DNA repair

How do restriction enzymes function in genetic engineering?

They repair mutated genetic material

They amplify DNA sequences

They cut double-stranded DNA at specific recognition sites (correct)

They join two DNA fragments together

Which area of biotechnology involves mixing genetic material from different species?

Transgenic biotechnology Signup and view all the answers

What physiological condition can arise from a defective pancreas?

Diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

Which organism was first used to bioengineer synthetic insulin?

E.coli Signup and view all the answers

What does reprogramming of cells involve?

Using stem cells to develop needed tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Golden Rice?

To prevent malnutrition due to vitamin A deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a clone in biological terms?

An exact genetic replica of another cell or organism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key application of forensic biotechnology?

Distinguishing one person from another Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the insulin hormone produced by the pancreas?

To aid in cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves an egg developing into an embryo without fertilization?

Parthenogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used to clone animals?

Somatic cell nuclear transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Golden Rice is not currently used?

Regulatory issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has NOT been cloned using somatic cell nuclear transfer?

Plants Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic modification is associated with Golden Rice?

Introduction of beta carotene Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Biotechnology

Course title: Introduction to Biotechnology
Instructor: Dr/ Mohamed Salah Basiouny
Email: [email protected]
Office number: 234
Semester: Spring 2024-2025
Lecture: 3

Genetic Engineering

Definition: Multiple techniques to alter, repair, or enhance genetic material (mostly DNA).
Process:
- Isolating a desired gene fragment from a chromosome using restriction enzymes.
- Inserting the fragment into a DNA vector (often a plasmid).
- Introducing the recombinant DNA into a host organism.
- Replication and reproduction of the host organism carrying the new gene
- Harvesting the desired protein.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Definition: A group of techniques using to cut up and join genetic material (especially DNA from different species.)
Purpose: Introduce the resulting hybrid DNA into an organism, leading to new combinations of heritable genetic material.

Genetic Engineering (Specifics)

Refers to: The direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organism's characteristics (phenotype).
Methods: Using restriction enzymes such as EcoRI.
Important processes:
Using restriction enzymes to snip a gene of interest.
Inserting the gene into a plasmid (complementary sticky ends).
Transferring the plasmid into a bacterial cell.
Letting bacterial cells replicate; purifying the human protein produced by the plasmid.

Plasmids

Definition: Small, circular pieces of DNA separate from the chromosome, and capable of independent replication.
Properties:
- Not part of the main chromosome.
- Can replicate independently.
- Found in bacterial cells.
- Circular pieces of DNA

Transgenic Organisms

Types:
- Yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
- Plants (e.g., Safflower)
- Bacterium (e.g., Ecoli)

Golden Rice

Definition: Genetically modified rice fortified with beta carotene.
Purpose: Increases vitamin A content in rice
Problem Addressed: Vitamin A deficiency in children, causing health issues.
Genetic Modification process: Mixing genes from bacteria and daffodils into rice genome.
Current Status: Regulatory issues prevent widespread use.

Cloning

Definition: Exact genetic replica of a cell or organism.
Types:
- DNA (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Cells (tissue cultures, stem cells)
- Whole organisms (e.g., sheep)
- Plants: bananas potatoes grapes

Animal Cloning

Techniques: Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
Process:
- Collecting a mammary cell from a donor animal.
- Removing the nucleus from an egg cell.
- Inserting the donor mammary cell nucleus into the egg cell.
- Electrically fusing the egg and the mammary cell together.
- Growing the embryo in culture and implanting it into the uterus of a surrogate mother.
- Growing the embryo.

Plant Tissue Culture

Definition: Culture of plant tissues in a controlled environment to produce new plants.
Application: Creating clones of plants.

Animal Cell Culture

Definition: Growing animal cells in a lab environment.
Application: Studying cells, potentially creating stem cells.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of biotechnology, focusing on genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Explore techniques for altering genetic material and the processes involved in creating recombinant DNA. Test your knowledge on the roles and applications of these innovative biotechnological methods.