from audio: Fund. Genetic Approaches in Physiology Research

These flashcards summarize the key concepts and techniques discussed in the lecture on genetic approaches used in physiological research, particularly involving mouse models.

What is the primary advantage of using mice as models for physiological research?

Over 95% of the mouse genome is similar to humans, making them useful for studying gene function.

What technique is used to modify the genome of mice that involves the random insertion of DNA?

Transgenesis.

What is a homozygous genotype?

It refers to two identical alleles for a specific gene.

What is a heterozygous genotype?

It refers to having two different alleles for a specific gene.

What process is used to create knockout mice?

Gene targeting through homologous recombination.

What is the CRISPR-Cas9 system used for in gene editing?

To make precise double-stranded breaks in the genome to facilitate gene editing.

Define 'alleles'.

Two forms of a gene inherited from each parent.

What are transgenic mice?

Mice that have had DNA randomly inserted into their genome.

What does 'knockout mouse' refer to?

A mouse in which a specific gene has been disrupted or deleted.

Describe what homologous recombination entails.

Exchanging nucleotide sequences between similar or identical DNA molecules.

What is the primary function of the Cas9 protein in the CRISPR system?

It is an enzyme that cuts DNA to facilitate gene editing.

What does the PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) sequence do in CRISPR gene editing?

It is required for the Cas9 protein to bind and cut the target DNA.

What is the genetic modification achieved by introducing LoxP sites in the Cre-Lox system?

Conditional gene knockout or knock-in in specific cell types.

How can researchers assess the effects of a gene knockout in a specific tissue?

By using tissue-specific promoters to drive the expression of Cre recombinase.

What is the main advantage of using the CRISPR-Cas9 system over traditional gene targeting methods?

It is less labor-intensive and allows for multiple genome edits simultaneously.

What is a reporter mouse strain?

A genetically modified mouse that expresses a reporter gene, which allows visualization of specific cell types.

What is a chimeric mouse?

A mouse composed of cells with different genotypes due to genetic modifications.

Define 'conditional gene manipulation' in the context of genetic research.

Manipulating gene expression only in specific cell types or at specific times.

What is a typical use of the tamoxifen inducible Cre recombinase system?

To control the timing of gene deletion in specific tissues. Especially when gene deletion during embryonic development is lethal.

What is one significant limitation of using traditional gene targeting methods?

Gene targeting is much more time-consuming and has a lower success rate compared to CRISPR.