Recombinant DNA Technology Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of recombinant DNA technology?

To create vaccines for viral infections

To manipulate the genetic makeup of plants only

To create novel DNA molecules for research and therapeutic purposes (correct)

To increase the yield of agricultural crops

The first recombinant DNA product approved by the FDA was a modified form of insulin.

True

Who were the pioneers in developing the basic tools for recombinant DNA technology?

Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer

___ is the process by which foreign DNA is inserted into a vector and replicated.

Cloning Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?

To cut DNA into specific sequences Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Vector = A DNA molecule used to carry foreign DNA PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method for amplifying DNA Plasmid = A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria Gel Electrophoresis = A technique for separating DNA fragments Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 16s rRNA gene in microbial research?

It is used to determine the taxonomic identity of bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Microbes can only be harmful and do not provide benefits to water quality.

False Signup and view all the answers

The predominant species in the environment influence human health and are studied in projects like the ___ Science Project.

River Signup and view all the answers

Match the following contaminants with their types:

Pesticides = Chemical contaminant Methylmercury = Neurotoxin Antibiotics = Pharmaceutical contaminant Pathogenic bacteria = Biological contaminant Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Recombinant DNA Technology Overview

Recombinant DNA technology enables the creation of novel DNA molecules for research and therapeutic purposes.
Key tools include bacterial plasmid vectors, restriction enzymes, and ligases, pioneered by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in the 1970s.
Herbert Boyer co-founded Genentech, the first company to commercialize recombinant DNA technology, igniting the biotechnology sector.

Historical Milestones

In 1978, Genentech achieved a significant milestone by cloning the human insulin gene into a plasmid vector, allowing insulin production in E. coli.
Prior to this, insulin extraction from cows was demanding and required modifications to prevent immune rejection.
In 1982, humulin, the first recombinant human insulin, received FDA approval.

Basic Process of Recombinant DNA Creation

A vector DNA molecule is manipulated in vitro to insert foreign DNA, forming a recombinant plasmid.
This plasmid can be introduced into bacteria for replication alongside the bacterial DNA.
Desired proteins like insulin can be isolated, or recombinant plasmids can be analyzed for foreign DNA sequences.

Application in Water Quality Research

The focus is on sequencing a segment of the 16s ribosomal RNA gene to identify microbial diversity in the Sacramento River.
The Sacramento River, California's largest watershed, faces contamination from urban runoff and agriculture, affecting water quality.
Understanding microbial populations is vital as certain species can indicate ecological health and contribute to detoxifying pollutants.

Project Role and Cloning Definition

The project involves cloning a 16s rRNA gene fragment previously amplified via PCR by biology students.
Cloning here refers to inserting a PCR fragment into a vector, leading to recovery of the recombinant plasmid from a bacterial colony.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of recombinant DNA technology, including its historical milestones and key processes. Learn about the significant figures such as Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer, as well as the impact on biotechnology through the creation of products like recombinant insulin.