unit 21 bio - Biotechnology and Genetic Modification

Why are bacteria useful in biotechnology and genetic modification?

Because of their rapid reproduction rate and ability to make complex molecules

What are additional reasons bacteria are useful in biotechnology?

Few ethical concerns, presence of plasmids, rapid growth, and ability to produce proteins

What is the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast in biofuel production?

It produces ethanol used in biofuels

What is the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast during bread-making?

It produces carbon dioxide that makes bread rise

What is the use of pectinase in fruit juice production?

It breaks down pectin in fruit to increase juice yield and clarity

How are biological washing powders useful?

They contain enzymes that break down stains like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates

Why is lactase used in milk production?

To produce lactose-free milk for lactose-intolerant people

What are fermenters used for?

Large-scale production of useful products like insulin, penicillin, and mycoprotein

What conditions need to be controlled in a fermenter?

Temperature, pH, oxygen, nutrient supply, and waste product removal

What is genetic modification?

Changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing, or inserting individual genes

What are examples of genetic modification?

Inserting human genes into bacteria, inserting genes into crop plants for herbicide resistance, pest resistance, and improved nutrition

What is the first step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Isolating the DNA of the human gene using restriction enzymes, forming sticky ends

What is the second step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Cutting bacterial plasmid DNA with the same restriction enzymes, forming complementary sticky ends

What is the third step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Inserting human DNA into the plasmid using DNA ligase to form a recombinant plasmid

What is the fourth step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Inserting the recombinant plasmids into bacteria

What is the fifth step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Multiplying the bacteria containing recombinant plasmids

What is the sixth step in genetic modification using bacteria?

Expression of the human gene in the bacteria to make the human protein

What are the advantages of genetically modifying crops?

Increased yield, pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved nutrition, and longer shelf life

What are the disadvantages of genetically modifying crops?

Possible environmental harm, ethical concerns, unknown long-term effects, and potential allergenicity