Genetic Engineering - Lecture Notes Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering genetic engineering concepts, classical breeding, recombinant DNA technology, key experiments, examples (Bt crops, Golden Rice), and related knowledge checks from the lecture notes.

What is genetic engineering?

The manipulation, modification, and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules to modify an organism or population.

What are the two main approaches to genetic modification discussed in the notes?

Classical breeding and Recombinant DNA technology.

What is classical breeding?

The practice of mating or breeding selected organisms with desirable traits; used for thousands of years in agriculture and livestock.

What is recombinant DNA technology?

A method where scientists combine DNA from two different sources to create a new set of genetic instructions.

List the steps in classical breeding.

1) Determine significant traits; 2) Select parents with those traits; 3) Choose the best offspring; 4) Repeat the process.

How does the speed of classical breeding compare to recombinant DNA technology?

Classical breeding is slow (many generations); recombinant DNA is fast (changes can happen in one step).

How does precision differ between classical breeding and recombinant DNA technology?

Classical breeding is not exact and mixes many traits; recombinant DNA is very precise, targeting specific genes.

Which genes are used in classical breeding?

Genes from the same or closely related species.

Which genes can be used in recombinant DNA technology?

Genes from any species, even across kingdoms (e.g., bacteria to plants or animals).

Give an example of classical breeding.

Breeding two corn plants to get bigger corn.

Give an example of recombinant DNA technology.

Inserting a gene from bacteria into corn to make it pest-resistant.

What tools are used in classical breeding?

Natural mating and selection.

What tools are used in recombinant DNA technology?

Lab tools like enzymes, plasmids, and gene splicing.

Step 1 in creating recombinant DNA?

Isolate the gene of interest and the plasmid (sources of DNA).

Step 2 in creating recombinant DNA?

Cut both DNAs with a restriction enzyme.

Step 3 in creating recombinant DNA?

Join the DNAs and seal with DNA ligase.

Step 4 in creating recombinant DNA?

Transfer the recombinant DNA plasmid into a bacterial cell.

Step 5 in creating recombinant DNA?

Isolate and insert into other organisms to confer the desired trait.

What is Bt corn?

A genetically modified corn containing Bacillus thuringiensis genes that produce proteins toxic to certain pests, giving pest resistance.

What is Bt eggplant?

Eggplant containing Bacillus thuringiensis gene; resistant to eggplant fruit and shoot borers.

What is Golden Rice?

A genetically engineered rice that produces beta-carotene to address Vitamin A deficiency.

What is a plasmid?

A circular DNA molecule separate from bacterial chromosomes used as a vector in genetic engineering.

Which enzyme joins DNA molecules?

DNA ligase.

Which enzyme cuts DNA at specific sites?

Restriction enzymes.

What is the general purpose of genetically modified plants discussed in the notes?

To confer traits like pest resistance or nutritional enhancement (e.g., Bt traits, Golden Rice).

What is the purpose of Bt crops (e.g., Bt corn/eggplant)?

To produce proteins toxic to certain pests, providing pest resistance to the plant.

What should researchers consider about genetic engineering according to the final prompt?

Investigate the risks and benefits and assess how it is changing the world.

What does DNA stand for and what is its role?

Deoxyribonucleic acid; carries the instructions for growth, development, and functioning of organisms.