Microbiology Chapter 9 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

List four properties of vectors.

Self-replication capability, 2. Ability to recognize sequence for a restriction enzyme, 3. Should be small in comparison to host chromosome, 4. Can be plasmids, artificial chromosomes, or viruses.

What is biotechnology?

The use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product.

What is Recombinant DNA Technology (rDNA)?

DNA that has been artificially manipulated to combine genes from two different sources.

Define genetic engineering.

The insertion of genes into cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a vector?

Self-replicating DNA used to carry the desired gene to a new cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a clone?

A population of cells arising from one cell, each carrying the new genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a clone and a vector in genetic engineering?

A desired gene is inserted into a vector which then inserts the DNA into a new cell that is grown to form a clone. Signup and view all the answers

How is selection used in biotechnology?

Microbes with desirable traits are selected for culturing by artificial selection. Signup and view all the answers

How is mutation used in biotechnology?

Mutagens cause mutations that might lead to microbes with desirable traits. Signup and view all the answers

What are restriction enzymes?

Special class of DNA cutting enzymes that exist in many bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the use of plasmids.

Plasmids are used as vectors in genetic engineering to carry desired genes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the use of viral vectors.

Vectors are used in rDNA technology; viruses can insert new genes into cells. Signup and view all the answers

Outline the PCR process.

<ol> <li>Denaturation at 94 C, 2. Priming, 3. Extension, with DNA amplification after each cycle.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is electroporation?

A method using electrical current to create pores in cells for DNA insertion. Signup and view all the answers

What is transfection?

A method for getting DNA into a cell that varies depending on the type of cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is transformation in the context of getting DNA into a cell?

Genes are transferred from one bacterium to another as 'naked' DNA in solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is protoplast fusion?

A method of joining two cells by removing their cell walls. Signup and view all the answers

What is microinjection?

A method used in protoplasts and embryos using a micropipette to introduce DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are gene libraries?

Collections made by cutting up the entire genome with restriction enzymes and inserting fragments into plasmids or phages. Signup and view all the answers

What is cDNA?

cDNA is made from mRNA by reverse transcriptase and can be cloned in gene libraries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Properties of Vectors

Vectors replicate desired DNA sequences autonomously once inside a host cell.
Must contain unique genetic markers for recognition by restriction enzymes.
Should be smaller than the host chromosome for efficient gene transfer.
Common types of vectors include plasmids, artificial chromosomes, and viruses.

Biotechnology

Involves using microorganisms and cells to produce products not normally synthesized by them.
Microorganisms and plants serve as factories for chemical production.

Recombinant DNA Technology (rDNA)

Entails the artificial manipulation of DNA from different sources.
Enables amplification of DNA, allowing for mass replication of specific DNA sequences.

Genetic Engineering

Involves inserting genes into cells, facilitating gene transfer between unrelated species in a laboratory setting.

Vector

A self-replicating DNA entity that carries a desired gene into a new cell.

Clone

A population of genetically identical cells derived from a single parent cell.

Role of Clones and Vectors in Genetic Engineering

Desired genes are inserted into vectors like plasmids or viral genomes.
The vector delivers DNA into a new cell, which multiplies to form clones for gene or product harvesting.

Selection in Biotechnology

Involves artificial selection of microbes exhibiting desirable traits for culturing purposes.

Mutation in Biotechnology

Mutagens induce mutations to develop microbes with favorable characteristics.
Site-directed mutagenesis alters specific codons in genes for desired outcomes.

Restriction Enzymes

A class of DNA-cutting enzymes found in bacteria, characterized by their specificity.
"Sticky" ends produced by some enzymes promote the joining of DNA fragments.
DNA ligase seals the backbones of resulting DNA fragments.

Use of Plasmids

Plasmids function as vehicles to carry desired DNA sequences in genetic engineering.

Use of Viral Vectors

Essential in gene therapy applications where viruses introduce new genes into target cells.
Vectors replicate inserted DNA during the gene transfer process.

PCR Outline

Denaturation: High temperature (94°C) breaks hydrogen bonds in DNA.
Priming: Lower temperature allows primers to bind to single-stranded DNA.
Extension: Intermediate temperature facilitates DNA polymerase replication.
Each PCR cycle doubles the DNA, enabling significant amplification over multiple rounds.

Electroporation

A technique using electrical currents to create temporary pores in cell membranes for DNA entry.

Transfection

Multiple methods are employed for introducing DNA, varying by cell type.

Transformation

A process where genes are taken up by bacteria as "naked" DNA from the surrounding solution.

Protoplast Fusion

Joins two cells by removing their cell walls, utilized in various genetic engineering techniques.

Microinjection

A method for injecting DNA directly into cells, particularly useful in protoplasts and embryos.

Gene Libraries

Constructed by fragmenting an entire genome with restriction enzymes and inserting DNA fragments into plasmids or phages.

cDNA (Complementary DNA)

Generated from mRNA using reverse transcriptase, cDNA can be cloned in gene libraries with eukaryotic origins.

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Description

Explore the essential properties of vectors in microbiology with these flashcards. Learn about self-replication, recognition sequences for restriction enzymes, and the size of vectors relative to host chromosomes. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of genetic engineering concepts.