Recombinant DNA Technology

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology uses cellular processes to create products beneficial to humans, such as bread, alcohol, cheese, and yoghurt.

What are some applications of modern biotechnology?

Treatments and prevention of disease, food production, clean energy production, and improving manufacturing processes.

What is the Human Genome?

The complete set of genetic information of an organism, specifically the 21,000 genes in human chromosomes.

What was the Human Genome Project?

A scientific endeavor started in 1990 to map the location of genes on chromosomes.

What is gene replacement therapy?

A treatment approach that involves replacing faulty genes with healthy ones.

What is recombinant DNA technology?

A technique that involves introducing DNA into cells that is foreign or modified.

What are transgenic organisms?

Organisms whose genome has been altered by the transfer of genes from another organism.

What is the role of vectors in recombinant DNA technology?

Vectors are DNA molecules used to carry DNA into a cell.

How is DNA cut in genetic engineering?

Using restriction endonucleases, commonly known as restriction enzymes, which act as 'molecular scissors'.

What are restriction enzymes?

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, helping to manipulate genetic material.

What types of cuts can restriction enzymes make?

Straight cuts producing blunt ends or staggered cuts producing sticky ends.

What is DNA ligase?

An enzyme used to join two sections of DNA together in a process called ligation.

What is the significance of plasmids in bacteria?

Plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA in bacteria that can replicate independently from chromosomal DNA.

Give an example of a product made using recombinant DNA technology.

Insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria for treating diabetes.

What are the benefits of using recombinant Factor VIII?

It overcomes the risks associated with plasma-derived Factor VIII, is free from viral diseases, and is effective in blood clotting.

What was the first recombinant DNA vaccine developed for human use?

The hepatitis B vaccine, introduced in 1986.

What are DNA/RNA vaccines?

Vaccines that use DNA or RNA to produce antigens within the host's cells.

How has recombinant technology improved insulin production?

By introducing the human insulin gene into bacteria, they became factories producing human insulin.

What are two diseases treated with recombinant DNA technology?

Cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the importance of monitoring gene expression in diseases?

It helps in understanding and treating diseases like cancer at different stages.

What are genetic tests used for?

To screen individuals for the risk of developing certain genetic conditions.

What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

An organism whose genome has been modified for specific traits.

Describe a straight cut made by restriction enzymes.

A clean break across the two strands of DNA resulting in blunt ends.

What is a staggered cut?

A cut that produces sticky ends with unpaired nucleotides for DNA recombination.

How did recombinant DNA overcome the problems of earlier medical products?

Allowed for the production of large quantities of pure, consistent proteins without contamination risks.

What role does the Human Genome Project play in modern medicine?

It provides a comprehensive map of human genes, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is gene manipulation?

The alteration of genes through techniques that can add, remove, or replace genetic material.

Why is the safety of vaccines important?

Because vaccines are administered to large populations, including vulnerable individuals, ensuring they are safe is paramount.

How are genes of interest identified for recombinant DNA procedures?

By isolating the desired gene and using restriction enzymes to prepare it for insertion into vectors.

What is the process to insert a gene into a vector?

Identifying the gene, cutting the DNA, and joining it with the vector using DNA ligase.

Why are restriction enzymes considered essential in genetic engineering?

They allow precise cutting of DNA at known sequences, facilitating gene manipulation.

What are the advantages of using bacteria for gene cloning?

Bacteria can replicate rapidly and exchange plasmids, making them ideal for producing recombinant DNA.

How do recombinant vaccines differ from traditional vaccines?

Recombinant vaccines use genetically engineered antigens, while traditional vaccines use live or killed pathogens.

What is the role of molecular scissors in recombinant DNA technology?

They cut DNA at specific recognition sites, allowing for the manipulation required for genetic engineering.