Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on microbial genetics and biotechnology.

What is genetics?

The study of genes and how traits are passed on.

What is a gene?

A piece of DNA that gives instructions to make proteins.

What is the function of chromosomes?

Long strands of DNA that contain many genes.

What does the term genome refer to?

All DNA in an organism.

What is genomics?

The study of whole genomes.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the genetic makeup (what genes you have), while phenotype refers to physical traits.

Who first discovered DNA?

Johannes Miescher in 1869.

What contribution did Rosalind Franklin make to genetics?

She took X-rays to show the shape of DNA.

How did Watson and Crick contribute to genetics?

They used Franklin’s work to determine the double helix structure of DNA in 1953.

What was the goal of the Human Genome Project?

To map over 3 billion DNA bases in humans from 1990 to 2003.

What is DNA replication?

The process of duplicating DNA before cell division.

What role does DNA helicase play in DNA replication?

It unwinds and unzips the DNA strands.

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

To build a new DNA strand.

What is the difference between leading and lagging strands?

The leading strand is made continuously, while the lagging strand is made in pieces called Okazaki fragments.

What is transcription?

The process of copying DNA to produce messenger RNA (mRNA).

What are exons and introns?

Exons are parts of the RNA transcript that remain, while introns are parts that are removed during RNA processing.

What is the lac operon?

A model of gene regulation that describes how bacteria regulate the production of proteins for lactose digestion.

What is a mutation?

A change in DNA sequence that can alter the function of genes.

What is a mutagen?

An agent that causes mutations, such as chemicals or radiation.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

A gene editing tool that can target and cut specific genes.

What is horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

The process by which bacteria exchange genetic material, including transformation, conjugation, and transduction.

What is biotechnology?

The use of organisms to make useful products.

How does the TI plasmid function in genetic engineering?

It inserts new genes into plant cells to give them useful traits, like pest resistance.

What is gene therapy?

The transfer of normal or modified genes into individuals to treat genetic disorders.

What are oncogenic viruses?

Viruses that can cause cancer.

What is the function of restriction enzymes?

Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

What is RFLP?

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, a technique used to compare DNA fragment lengths to find genetic differences.

What is the difference between biological and mechanical vectors?

Biological vectors harbor pathogens and allow reproduction, while mechanical vectors merely carry pathogens.

What are prions?

Infectious proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

What is a viroid?

Infectious RNA molecules that do not have a protein coat and primarily affect plants.