Vaccination Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of vaccination?

To supply nutrients to the body

To cure existing diseases in the body

To replace damaged immune cells

To present the immune system with harmless variants of pathogens (correct)

Which enzyme plays a crucial role in the replication of DNA and recombinant DNA techniques?

DNA ligase (correct)

RNA polymerase

Restriction enzyme

DNA polymerase

How do scientists typically use recombinant DNA technology to create vaccines?

By synthesizing entirely new pathogens to train the immune system

By inserting a pathogen's gene into a carrier to produce a protein for vaccination (correct)

By isolating vaccines from naturally occurring pathogens without any modifications

By killing pathogens and using their remains for vaccines

What is a plasmid?

A small ring of DNA that carries accessory genes Signup and view all the answers

What concerns must scientists address when developing a vaccine?

Safety and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the chickenpox virus after an individual recovers from the illness?

It remains dormant in the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a new flu vaccine necessary every year?

The flu virus constantly undergoes genetic changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with shingles that may appear after having chickenpox?

Localized nerve pain and rash. Signup and view all the answers

How many restriction sites must be considered when analyzing plasmid alterations?

Both the restriction sites before and after altering the plasmid. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception does Jimmy have regarding chickenpox immunity?

Recovery from chickenpox leads to lifelong immunity. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with effective vaccines?

Require numerous booster doses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of live attenuated vaccines?

They typically provide long-lasting immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of herd immunity in a population?

To protect individuals who are not vaccinated Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vaccine requires the use of large doses and more boosters?

Killed or inactive vaccines Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

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

Why are plasmids considered important tools in genetic engineering?

They can independently replicate DNA sequences Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of edible vaccines?

They may cause immune tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sticky ends' refer to in recombinant DNA technology?

Complementary single-stranded DNA ends Signup and view all the answers

Why is HaeIII not suitable for creating recombinant DNA?

It produces blunt ends Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to analyze and compare the original plasmid and engineered plasmid?

Restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

To join DNA fragments together Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vaccination method is primarily based on altering live pathogens?

Live attenuated vaccines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of naked DNA vaccines?

They involve insertion of pathogen DNA into recipient cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vaccination

Vaccination is a procedure that exposes the immune system to a harmless pathogen variant, stimulating long-term defense.
Vaccines are harmless pathogen variants that stimulate the immune system's defense mechanisms.
Effective vaccines have low side effects, protect against natural pathogen variants, stimulate both antibody and cell-mediated responses, create long-term immunological memory, require few doses/boosters, and are inexpensive, stable, and easy to administer.
Common administration routes are subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intradermal injections; oral vaccines exist for a limited number of diseases.
Vaccine types include:
- Killed/inactivated: Harmless, recognizable antigens, need multiple doses.
- Live attenuated: Long-lasting, fewer boosters, risk of reversion to pathogenicity.
- Toxoid: Purified toxin elicits an immune response.
- Genetically modified: Microbial antigen genes create proteins for immunity.
- Naked DNA: Contains pathogen DNA to trigger cellular immunity.
Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a population is vaccinated reducing disease incidence.

Recombinant DNA

Recombinant DNA is a laboratory-created DNA molecule combining genetic material from different sources.
Recombinant DNA technology allows scientists to manipulate DNA to create new sequences or desired genes.
Plasmids are small DNA rings with accessory genes outside the bacterial chromosome.
Vectors are agents like plasmids or viruses that carry modified genetic material.
Genes are discrete units of hereditary information encoded in DNA.
Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences.
DNA ligase joins DNA fragments.

Vaccine Development Concerns

Scientists must ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Recombinant DNA technology can isolate a pathogen gene, insert it into a vector, and produce a vaccine protein without causing disease.

Vaccine Production Methods

Scientists use various methods to create vaccines, including but not limited to inactivating the pathogen to create a harmless vaccine.

Bacterial vs. Human DNA

Bacterial DNA is usually a single circular chromosome in the cytoplasm.
Human DNA is organized into linear chromosomes within a nucleus.

Importance of Plasmids and Bacterial Cells

Plasmids, naturally occurring vectors, make introducing foreign DNA into bacteria simple, allowing manipulation and controlled gene replication.

Recombinant DNA Procedure

Restriction enzymes (scissors) cut DNA at specific sequences.
Plasmids are cut with the same restriction enzyme, creating openings for insertion.
The gene of interest is placed into the plasmid.
DNA ligase (glue) joins the fragments.
The result is recombinant DNA.

Molecular Tools

Restriction enzymes cut DNA (scissors).
DNA ligase joins DNA (glue).

Guidelines for Creating New Plasmids

Use one restriction enzyme that cuts the plasmid ring and the viral gene. Do not cut too many small fragments. Ensure sticky ends.
Do not remove more than 20 base pairs.
Do not interrupt the origin of replication (ori) and antibiotic resistance gene.

Restriction Enzyme Use

Plasmids and DNA to insert must be cut with the same restriction enzyme to create complementary sticky ends for joining.

HaeIII Usage

HaeIII is not ideal for recombinant DNA work as it produces blunt ends, hard to join.

Molecular Tools in Lab Activity

Restriction enzymes & DNA ligase act as molecular scissors and glue.

Edible Vaccines

Advantages: Easy, affordable and accessible administration.
Disadvantages: Immune tolerance concerns and efficiency/safety research needed.

Comparing Plasmids

Restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis can compare the primary vs. engineered plasmid. Observe the number of restriction sites before and after alteration.

Recurring Chickenpox

Chickenpox can be reactivated from a latent state in the spinal cord later in life, triggering shingles.

Annual Flu Vaccine Need

Flu viruses constantly mutate, requiring yearly vaccine updates to maintain immune protection.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of vaccination, including the types of vaccines and their mechanisms of action on the immune system. Understand the criteria for effective vaccines and the various administration routes available. Test your knowledge on this critical aspect of public health.