Microbiology Exam 4 (recombinant DNA & Biotechnology) Flashcards

Prepare and practice for the Microbiology Exam 4 (recombinant DNA & Biotechnology) in a brief manner with these flashcards and revise the concepts related to it. Learn the important terms, definitions, procedures, and much more briefly with these flashcards quizzes.  

30 cards   |   Total Attempts: 188
  

Cards In This Set

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Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
-DNA containing genes from another source -new genes can give cell new capabillities
Biotechnology
-uses recombinant DNA to "program" microbes -uses: -produce products (enzymes, vaccines, insulin etc..) - give cells special properties (frost resistance etc) -treat diseases
Tools of Biochnology
-restriction enzymes -PCR (polymerase chain reaction) -gel electrophoresis -DNA sequencing -vectors -DNA probes
Restriction enzymes
-bacterial enzymes that cut DNA -cuts @ specific base sequence -leaves "sticky ends", single stranded ends -allows genes to be inserted into plasmids
PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
-makes billions of identical copies of DNA strand
To prepare PCR
-prepare solution: -primers -free nucleotides -high-temp. DNA polymerase
After preparing PCR soulution
-place solution into thermalcycler -Heat to seperate DNA into single strands -Cool to allow new nucleotides to attach (# of strands doubles) - Repeat cycle 20-30 times (billions of copies in a few hours)
Gel Electrophoresis
-Place DNA into wells of agar gel -Turn on current -DNA has a (-) charge and migrates from (-) to (+) end, smallest pieces move fastest (travel farthest)
DNA sequencing determines
-determines sequence of bases in the DNA -reveals location of important genes on chromosome -Dye terminator sequencing commonly used
Dye terminator sequencing
-sequence sense strand only, add chain-terminating nucleotides to PCR solution (A,T, G,C) -Ea. terminator labeled, ea. is a diff. fluorescent color (wavelength) -Run PCR, ea strand grows until chain terminator attaches -separate strands by length (polyacrylamide gel) -optical scanner reads sequence
Vectors (carrier)
-carries desired genes (DNA segments) into cells -once inside cell they are self-replicating (ea. new cell gets copy of genes ea. time cell divides)
2 types of vectors
-viruses -plasmids
Viruses
-carry large DNA segments into cells -phages carry large pieces of DNA into bacteria - animal cells
Plasmids
-carry small segments of DNA - shuttle vectors: plasmids that can exist in several diff. species -can carry DNA into bacteria, plant, mammals etc.
DNA probes
-pieces of single stranded DNA used to find specific genes -Base sequence is complementary to gene of interest (binds to it w / H-bonds (hybridizes) -Has fluorescent or radioactive "tag" so it can be found -DNA syntheses machines can produce short DNA pieces