Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of DNA profiling?
What is the primary purpose of DNA profiling?
PCR is a technique that can amplify DNA samples by creating millions of copies.
PCR is a technique that can amplify DNA samples by creating millions of copies.
True
What is the name of the enzyme used in PCR to create new DNA strands?
What is the name of the enzyme used in PCR to create new DNA strands?
Taq polymerase
DNA probes can be labeled with either radioactive isotopes or __________ dye.
DNA probes can be labeled with either radioactive isotopes or __________ dye.
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Match the following terms with their correct description:
Match the following terms with their correct description:
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What is a disadvantage of in-vivo gene cloning?
What is a disadvantage of in-vivo gene cloning?
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The probability of two individuals having identical VNTRs is high.
The probability of two individuals having identical VNTRs is high.
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What is one of the main challenges associated with PCR?
What is one of the main challenges associated with PCR?
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What is the primary role of reverse transcriptase in molecular biology?
What is the primary role of reverse transcriptase in molecular biology?
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Only eukaryotic organisms utilize reverse transcriptase.
Only eukaryotic organisms utilize reverse transcriptase.
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What are sticky ends and why are they important in gene cloning?
What are sticky ends and why are they important in gene cloning?
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In gene cloning, DNA fragments are typically inserted into plasmids using __________.
In gene cloning, DNA fragments are typically inserted into plasmids using __________.
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Which method is used to increase the permeability of bacterial membranes to facilitate plasmid uptake?
Which method is used to increase the permeability of bacterial membranes to facilitate plasmid uptake?
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Match the following terms with their respective definitions:
Match the following terms with their respective definitions:
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Antibiotic resistance genes are an example of gene markers used to identify bacteria that have taken up plasmids.
Antibiotic resistance genes are an example of gene markers used to identify bacteria that have taken up plasmids.
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What occurs after a plasmid takes up an insert during the gene cloning process?
What occurs after a plasmid takes up an insert during the gene cloning process?
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What is a potential application of the Human Genome Project?
What is a potential application of the Human Genome Project?
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The Human Genome Project does not raise any ethical concerns.
The Human Genome Project does not raise any ethical concerns.
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What is the purpose of comparing genomes between species?
What is the purpose of comparing genomes between species?
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The ________ is all the proteins that the genome can code for.
The ________ is all the proteins that the genome can code for.
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Match the following applications with their corresponding technology:
Match the following applications with their corresponding technology:
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Which of the following statements accurately describes selective gene expression?
Which of the following statements accurately describes selective gene expression?
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Elevated oestrogen levels can be associated with breast cancer development.
Elevated oestrogen levels can be associated with breast cancer development.
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What are some ethical concerns related to genetic screening?
What are some ethical concerns related to genetic screening?
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Study Notes
Mutations
- Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence.
- Types include:
- Insertion/deletion: One or more nucleotides are added or removed, shifting the reading frame.
- Duplication: Repeated nucleotide sequences.
- Inversion: A segment of DNA is reversed.
- Translocation: A segment of DNA moves from one chromosome to another.
- Causes:
- Spontaneous errors during DNA replication.
- Chemical mutagens (e.g., alcohol, benzene, tobacco smoke).
- Ionizing radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, UV, X-rays).
Mutation Effects
- Neutral mutations: Have no effect on the organism (e.g., in non-coding regions or silent mutations).
- Beneficial mutations: Can be advantageous (e.g., trichromatic vision in humans).
- Harmful mutations: Can lead to diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Stem Cells
- Undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into various specialized cell types.
- Types:
- Totipotent: Can develop into any cell type in the organism and extra-embryonic tissues (e.g., placenta). Found in early embryo stages.
- Pluripotent: Can form any cell type in the body but not extra-embryonic tissues. Found in early embryo stages. Used in tissue repair.
- Multipotent: Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types (e.g., bone marrow cells).
- Unipotent: Can only differentiate into one cell type.
Transcription Regulation (by Oestrogen)
- Oestrogen, a lipid-soluble hormone, diffuses into cells.
- Binds to a receptor on a transcription factor.
- This alters the factor's shape, enabling it to bind to DNA.
- Binding stimulates transcription of target genes.
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
- Short RNA molecules that can silence gene expression.
- Bind to complementary mRNA sequences.
- Trigger mRNA breakdown or prevent translation.
Epigenetic Changes
- Heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
- Examples:
- DNA methylation: Addition of methyl groups to DNA, often suppressing gene expression.
- Histone acetylation: Altered packaging of DNA around histone proteins, affecting gene expression.
Gene Expression and Cancer
- Proto-oncogenes: Stimulate cell division. When mutated, become oncogenes (uncontrolled cell division).
- Tumor suppressor genes: Control cell division and apoptosis (programmed cell death). When mutated, cell cycle becomes uncontrolled.
- Abnormal methylation of genes can affect their function.
- Increased oestrogen levels can correlate with breast cancer due to increased cell division.
Genome Projects
- Sequencing projects determine the complete set of DNA in an organism.
- Applications:
- Vaccine development.
- Understanding evolutionary relationships.
- Personalized medicine.
- Identifying genetic disorders.
Recombinant DNA Technology
- Techniques for manipulating DNA.
- Techniques include:
- Using reverse transcriptase to make DNA from RNA.
- Restriction endonucleases to cut DNA.
- Creating recombinant DNA molecules through complementary ends.
- Introducing DNA into cells (In-vivo/In-vitro).
- Using gene markers to confirm uptake by bacteria.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): amplifies specific DNA sequences.
DNA Probes
- Short, single-stranded DNA molecules used to detect specific DNA sequences.
- Radioactive or fluorescent labelling in probe.
- Detects mutations or genetic disorders.
Genetic Fingerprinting
- Technique used for DNA identification.
- Based on variations in DNA sequences (e.g., VNTRs).
- Applications:
- Forensic science.
- Medical diagnosis.
- Animal/plant breeding.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of mutations, their types, causes, and effects on organisms. Additionally, it covers the characteristics and types of stem cells. Test your understanding of these crucial biological concepts!
